Why Robert Morris University?
Robert Morris University, a small private university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, recruits students for an Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, based in the School of Informatics, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject are welcome to apply.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Robert Morris University |
| Location | Pittsburgh |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Informatics, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credits | 30 |
| Cost per credit | $800.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $24,000.00 |
| Test Requirements | None |
| Minimum GPA | 2.8 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 1-2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses | · Hardware and Operating Systems or Microcomputing Technology or Enterprise Operating Systems
· Networks and Data Comput/comm · Database Management Systems or Enterprise Database Systems · Computer Network Security · Information Technology Security & Assurance · Secure Programming · Information Technology Governance · Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity · Cybersecurity Capstone · Program Outcome Assessment · 1 Elective |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Interdisciplinary approach; hands-on learning emphasis; scholar-practitioner faculty; high job placement rate; recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the U.S. National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security; Robert Morris University is a designated CyberPatriot Center of Excellence by the U.S. Air Force Association; |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Employ cyber prevention, defense, and mitigation tools and techniques to protect information infrastructure and assets; Protect data and information using cryptographic protocols, tools, and techniques; Assess software, hardware, and firmware vulnerabilities and implement prevention and mitigation measures; Apply digital forensics and cyber investigation techniques in response to cyberattacks; Apply cybersecurity risk management methodologies, policies, and frameworks; Assess the human, legal, privacy, ethical, and governance aspects related to protecting critical cyberinfrastructure; |
| Program Description | This 30-credit degree takes an integrative approach based in information science. There are no concentrations available in this generalist program. Hands-on learning is emphasized throughout the curriculum, and a capstone is required. The program follows an accelerated course schedule, allowing students to complete their degrees faster and gain the benefits of their education. |
What will I Learn?
Students in this program learn key cyberdefense tools and methods to defend an enterprise against threats. They learn to protect crucial data using cryptographic techniques, and to apply digital forensics and cyber investigation protocols to explore and respond to cyberattacks. Software vulnerabilities are a particular focus of the training provided. Armed with this knowledge, graduates will be able to develop and implement cybersecurity risk management techniques and policies, behaving as professionals well-versed in human factors, legal, privacy, ethical and governance issues.
Although the program does not offer any specific concentrations, it does offer students some choice within the structure of required courses. To learn fundamentals of operating systems, students choose between three courses: Hardware and Operating Systems, Microcomputing Technology, or Enterprise Operating Systems. They may choose between a course in Database Management Systems or a course in Enterprise Database Systems. Networks and Data Computing, Computer Network Security, Information Technology Security & Assurance, Secure Programming, and Information Technology Governance are all required in addition.
The most current challenges and innovations in cybersecurity are covered in Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity, and students gain hands-on experience in the required Cybersecurity Capstone. They may choose one elective course. A final requirement is a Program Outcome Assessment course.
Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE), Robert Morris University’s cybersecurity program has also been named a CyberPatriot Center of Excellence by the United States Air Force Association.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 1-2 years and pay $800.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $24,000.00 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 1-2 years. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semester.
Summary
The program at this accessible university is based on an interdisciplinary information science approach, at a cost comparable to peer programs. The program has a fairly low minimum GPA, with no prerequisite courses, making it a manageable choice for those without substantial preparation or a non-traditional pathway to graduate education.
Offering an accelerated curriculum, the degree allows students to finish their program more quickly and re-enter the workforce with expanded skills. The program emphasizes hands-on learning from knowledgeable experts, and offers some choice within a generalist structure. A capstone is required.
