Why Southern New Hampshire University?
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity offered by Southern New Hampshire University enables working professionals to pursue higher education in the cybersecurity field. Southern New Hampshire University, a very large primarily online private university in Manchester, New Hampshire accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject for this degree program based in the Department of Computer Science.
Standardized test scores are not required, and there is no required undergraduate minimum GPA to apply.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Southern New Hampshire University |
| Location | Manchester |
| State | New Hampshire |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | Department of Computer Science |
| Credits | 36 |
| Cost per credit | $627.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $22,572.00 |
| Test Requirements | None |
| Minimum GPA | None |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 15 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | · IT Management
· General |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses | · Security Risk Analysis and Planning
· Incident Detection and Response · Investigation and Digital Forensics · Cyber Security Capstone · Foundation in Information Assurance · Human Factors in Security · Telecommunications and Networking · Network Assessment and Defense · Cyberlaw and Ethics |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Transfer up to 12 graduate credits, participate in cyber competitions, labs provide hands-on cyber experience, Cyber Security Center of Excellence, courses taught by working practitioners |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Understand, evaluate and respond to cyber threats, Defend against common cyber attacks, Develop risk management, business continuity and disaster recovery plans, Draft information security policies informed by relevant laws and regulations, Employ leadership strategies for ethical behavior and organizational effectiveness, Recognize the influences of industry standards and emerging trends on the cyber security profession, Enhance collaboration and communication skills |
| Program Description | Consisting of 36 credits, this degree emphasizes computer science skills and approaches. Two concentration options are 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 can specialize in one of two concentrations: IT Management and General. All students meet the same learning objectives within their required courses, plus courses within their specialization. Graduates are able to understand, assess and respond to cybersecurity threats and prepare defense strategies against attacks. They learn to plan for risk management, emergency preparedness, disaster recovery and the continuity of business operations. In pursuing that goal, all graduates learn to write plans for information security policies and guidelines. Graduates will be well-informed of relevant legal, ethical and government contexts.
The program focuses on educating leaders who are well-versed in organizational effectiveness strategies, industry standards, and emerging innovations. Students can expect to hone effective communication, collaboration and leadership skills alongside technical know-how.
Required courses are: Security Risk Analysis and Planning, Incident Detection and Response, Investigation and Digital Forensics, Foundation in Information Assurance, Human Factors in Security, Telecommunications and Networking, Network Assessment and Defense, and Cyberlaw and Ethics. All students are required to complete a Capstone course.
SNHU has been designated a Cyber Security Center of Excellence. Courses are taught by working practitioners and emphasize problem solving lab exercises within a virtual environment.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 15 months and pay $627.00 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or $22,572.00 in total. To save money on their degree, students can transfer in up to 12 graduate credits in relevant subjects.
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 15 months. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semester. Many students participate in cyber-competitions outside of coursework.
Summary
Mid-range in terms of cost, the accessible Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at Southern New Hampshire University is offered by a university with thousands of online students. Applicants can thus be confident that the program is administered by faculty and staff highly familiar with the challenges of online teaching and the needs of online students. Applicants with non-traditional backgrounds, including those switching careers, may be attracted by the cost savings associated with transfer credits.
Offering an accelerated curriculum, the degree allows students to finish their program more quickly and re-enter the workforce with expanded skills, honed through in-class lab exercises and cyber competitions outside of class. Leadership and management skills are emphasized.
