Why St Bonaventure University?

St Bonaventure University, a small private Franciscan university in St Bonaventure, New York invites individuals with an undergraduate degree in any subject to apply to its online Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Students without the necessary technical background are required to complete a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity prior to enrolling in the degree.

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

Program Snapshot

University Name	St Bonaventure University
Location	St Bonaventure
State	New York
Niche.com Grade	A-
Name of Degree	Master of Science in Cybersecurity
School or Department Administering Program	Department of Computer Science
Credits	30
Cost per credit	$799.00
Tuition for Entire Program	$23,970.00
Test Requirements	None
Minimum GPA	None
Campus Visit Required?	No
Typical Time to Complete	18 months
When Can Students Start the Program?	Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations	None
Synchronous Classes	No
Required Courses	·   Foundations of Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing,enterprise Networks ·   Applied Data Mining With Applications in Cybersecurity ·   Machine Learning With Applications in Cybersecurity ·   Risk Management & System Hardening & Protection ·   Advanced Cybersecurity,enterprise Security 2 Electives
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship?	No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	partner with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy, the EC-Council and Cisco Academy, helps you prepare for many certifications including: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) AWS Solution Architect – Associate AWS Security Specialty Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certified Network Defender (CND) Cisco CCNA – CyberOps Cisco CCNA CCNP Security, Interactive Experience, work with active cybersecurity professionals and engage in hands-on learning opportunities via cloud-based labs to tackle real cybersecurity challenges, relationship with the Western New York Cybersecurity Research Center and the Security Operations Center at SBU brings active professionals into the classroom
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Develop proficiency in cloud security, machine learning & AI, secure software design, networking, data mining, penetration testing, and more, Learn to design, implement and assess security solutions that address Security, Risk and Compliance requirements of today’s digital businesses, Learn from accomplished faculty who bring extensive industry experience from around the globe, Gain the confidence to present findings to organizational leaders and prepare to move into managerial and senior leadership roles, Build global cybersecurity skills in real time through our partnerships with leading security research centers
Program Description	This 30-credit program emphasizes computer science skills and approaches. 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?

Cloud security, machine learning and AI, safe software design, networking, data mining, penetration testing, and other topics are covered by students. They build confidence in presenting findings to organizational leaders and prepare to progress into managerial and senior leadership roles by learning to create, implement, and assess security solutions.

Required courses are as follows: Foundations of Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing, Enterprise Networks, Applied Data Mining With Applications in Cybersecurity, Machine Learning With Applications in Cybersecurity, Risk Management & System Hardening & Protection, Advanced Cybersecurity, and Enterprise Security. Students select two elective courses. 

The curriculum emphasizes preparation for the following industry certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), AWS Solution Architect, Associate AWS Security Specialty, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Network Defender (CND), Cisco CCNA – CyberOps, Cisco CCNA, CCNP Security. 

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 18 months and pay $799.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $23,970.00 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 18 months. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer semester.

Summary

This respected university offers a cybersecurity master’s program focusing on computer science skills and approaches, at a cost comparable to peer programs. The college’s Franciscan background may appeal to some applicants, as will its smaller size. Nevertheless, the program offers hand-on learning within an accelerated curriculum featuring practical exercises and visits from working professionals. 

Of particular interest will be SBU’s partnership with Amazon Web Services, a major employer in the field. Students are also equipped to pursue numerous industry certifications.