Why The University of West Florida?
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at the University of West Florida combines core preparation in cybersecurity skills with the opportunity to specialize in an area of interest. The University of West Florida, a large public research university in Pensacola, Florida, expects applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in any subject with strong technical background. Students without the necessary technical background are required to take foundation courses.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | The University of West Florida |
| Location | Pensacola |
| State | Florida |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering |
| Credits | 30 |
| Cost per credit | $425.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $2,750.00 |
| Test Requirements | None |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 24 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | Data Security; National Security; Security Management; Software and System Security; |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses | · Legal, Ethical and Human Aspects of Cybersecurity
· Cybersecurity Principles · Seminar in Cybersecurity · 4 Concentration Courses · 3 Electives |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | The Cybersecurity CAE Regional Resource Center for the Southeast U.S.; National Security concentration; 8 week courses; team-based learning; electives with a health sciences/electronic medical records focus available |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Identify and prioritize system and network security threats; Formulate and evaluate solutions to cybersecurity problems; Demonstrate high familiarity with primary and secondary sources describing cybersecurity threats and remedies; Analyze concepts, principles and theories in computing technology for cybersecurity |
| Program Description | Consisting of 30 required credits, this program emphasizes engineering topics Students choose between four concentrations. Following an accelerated schedule, the curriculum allows Students to complete their degree faster and re-enter the workforce with an expanded skill set. |
What will I Learn?
Students can choose to concentrate in one of four areas: Data Security, National Security, Security Management, and Software and System Security. A primary goal of the program is to prepare graduates with the ability to identify network and system security threats. Graduates will be prepared to create and assess solutions to cyber security vulnerabilities. They will be well informed about common cyber security threats and solutions and be familiar with the resources needed to solve problems in the field. Equipped with the necessary conceptual, legal, and ethical background, graduates of this program will have strong analytical skills and will be able to communicate their findings with a variety of audiences.
All students take the following core courses: Legal, Ethical and Human Aspects of Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Principles, and Seminar in Cybersecurity. students then take 4 courses within the area of concentration, and three electives of their choice.
The University of West Florida has been designated a cyber-security CAE Regional Resource Center for the Southeast United States.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 24 months and pay $425.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $21,750.00 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
This program is asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule weekly. Coursework can involve viewing pre-recorded video content and participating in online discussion. Most students complete the program in 24 months. students can enter the program in fall, winter, spring, or summer semesters.
Students can expect to complete many team based learning projects, and this should be taken into consideration when considering how the program fits into your schedule. Most courses are 8 weeks long.
Summary
This respected university offers a lower-cost option for students wishing to pursue a cybersecurity professional education. Applicants will be attracted to the program’s accelerated schedule enabling them to re-enter the workforce with expanded skills.
The program emphasizes engineering topics and team-based learning. Another distinctive feature of this program is the available electives with a Health Sciences in electronic medical records focus. The available National Security focus is also a major draw.
