Why Our Lady of the Lake University?
Our Lady of the Lake University is a small private Catholic university in San Antonio, Texas. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject. However, students whose undergraduate degree is not in Information Technology or a related subject may be asked to take a 6-credit foundation course before enrolling in the Master’s program.
The GRE or GMAT exams are required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Our Lady of the Lake University |
| Location | San Antonio |
| State | Texas |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Business and Leadership |
| Credits | 30 |
| Cost per credit | $962.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $28,860.00 |
| Test Requirements | GRE or GMAT required |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | Most students complete the program within 1 year. |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses | · Database Management Systems
· Networking and Cloud Computing · Hardware and Software Platforms · Basic Scripting and Programming · Special Topics in Information Systems · Cybersecurity Principles · Cybersecurity Planning and Management · Information Assurance Compliance and Auditing · Penetration Testing · Digital Forensics |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | 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), flexibility in course choice, commitment to individual attention to each student, preparation for industry certification such as the CompTIA® Security+ and ISC2®, University’s Center for Information Assurance Management and Leadership (CIAML), which provides access to high-quality cybersecurity standards, policies, procedures and guidelines for both the university and community |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | The MS in Cybersecurity curriculum maps to NSA curriculum requirements. Program coursework covers Common Body of Knowledge topics included in the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification exam and others. |
| Program Description | This 30-credit program emphasizes business and management topics. This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered. The program follows an accelerated course schedule, allowing students to graduate faster and reap the benefits of their degree. |
What will I Learn?
The Our Lady of the Lake University program is aligned to the curriculum requirements set out by the National Security Administration, outlining key issues and techniques in cybersecurity. In addition, the coursework covers the Common Body of the knowledge topics included in the Certified Information Systems Security Professional exam. These topics are: Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communications and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security.
Required Courses are as follows: Database Management Systems, Networking and Cloud Computing, Hardware and Software Platforms, Basic Scripting and Programming, Special Topics in Information Systems, Cybersecurity Principles, Cybersecurity Planning and Management, Information Assurance Compliance and Auditing, Penetration Testing, Digital Forensics.
The program has been 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). The curriculum prepares students for industry certification such as the CompTIA® Security+ and ISC2®. Students and faculty have access to the University’s Center for Information Assurance Management and Leadership (CIAML), which provides access to high-quality cybersecurity standards, policies, procedures and guidelines for both the university and community.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 1 year and pay $962.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $28,860.00 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 1 year. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semester. The program is committed to individualized attention both in the classroom and outside of it, with enriched advising and one-on-one mentoring.
Summary
This accessible university provides a cybersecurity program focusing on business and management approaches as well as cybersecurity fundamentals. In terms of cost, it is at the middle of the range of comparable programs.
Offering an accelerated curriculum, the degree allows students to finish their program more quickly and re-enter the workforce with expanded skills. The program is tightly focused on the competencies required for industry certifications, but unlike many other practically-oriented programs, it has greater flexibility in terms of course choice and sequence. Many applicants will find the university’s small size attractive.
