University of California Berkeley Online Master of Information and Cybersecurity

Why University of California Berkeley?

The online Master of Information and Cybersecurity at the University of California-Berkeley combined information science approaches with technical training in cybersecurity core skills. UC-Berkeley, a large public research university in Berkeley, California Accept applicants to the program holding an undergraduate degree in any subject.  

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate that they have quantitative abilities, knowledge of data structures, algorithms and analysis of algorithms and linear algebra. Competitive applicants will be proficient in at least one and preferably to programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Java, JavaScript or machine/assembly Language. The required skills can be demonstrated through undergraduate coursework, work experience or combination of the two

Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected. 

Program Snapshot

University Name University of California Berkeley
Location Berkeley
State California
Niche.com Grade A+
Name of Degree Master of Information and Cybersecurity
School or Department Administering Program School of Information
Credits 27
Cost per credit $2,72.00
Tuition for Entire Program $73,224.00
Test Requirements Optional GRE
Minimum GPA 3.0
Campus Visit Required? Yes
Typical Time to Complete 20 months
When Can Students Start the Program? January, May, September
Program Concentrations None
Synchronous Classes Some
Required Courses · Beyond the Code: Cybersecurity in Context

· Network Security

· Software Security

· Cryptography for Cyber and Network Security

· Operating System Security

· Managing Cyber Risk

· Government, National Security, and the Fifth Domain

· Usable Privacy and Security

· Privacy Engineering

Does the Program Include a Capstone? Yes
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique part-time only; interdisciplinary program; emphasis on business, political and legal context; wide variety of electives;
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Secure coding; Government and national security; Network and web security; Usable privacy and security; Cryptography; Operating system security; Security in context: legal, behavioral, and ethical issues; Privacy engineering; Cyber risk
Program Description This 27-credit program is based on an interdisciplinary information science approach Students follow a generalist approach, with no concentration available for specialization. In order to consolidate their learning in the program, all students complete a capstone experience. 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?

The UC-Berkeley cyber-security master’s program curriculum is influenced by its location within the information school at the University.  the curriculum emphasizes legal, social, and political contacts for cyber security techniques, theories, and current events.  the approach is highly the interdisciplinary with collaborative teams working to solve problems from a variety of perspectives. Technical skills taught in the program include secure coding, networking, website security, usability, privacy, cryptography, and operating system security. Students are also prepared to face ethical and legal issues in courses on privacy engineering, legal and behavioral issues, and government and National Security. 

Required courses are as follows: Beyond the Code: Cybersecurity in Context, Network Security, Software Security, Cryptography for Cyber and Network Security, Operating System Security, Managing Cyber Risk, Government, National Security, and the Fifth Domain, Usable Privacy and Security, and Privacy Engineering. All students must complete a required Capstone experience.

Students choose from a wide variety of electives for the remainder of their course credits.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 20 months and pay $2,72.00 per credit for a total of 27 credits, or $73,224.00 in total.

How does the program fit into my life?

Some courses are synchronous, meaning that students attend “live” class sessions online each week at a scheduled time. Some courses are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week. Course activities can include pre-recorded video materials, online discussion, and lab exercises. 

Most students complete the program within 20 months.  Students can begin the program in January, May, or September.  The program is designed to be completed on a part-time basis only. 

Summary

This prestigious university offers a higher cost option for students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity. Spacing in interdisciplinary information Sciences approach the program follows an accelerated schedule which allows students to finish their degree faster and returned to the workforce with expanded skills. In order to consolidate their learning in the program, all students complete a capstone experience. 

The emphasis on the business political and legal context of cybersecurity sets this program apart from peers. Some applicants may be attracted by its part-time course schedule.  Based in a research-intensive large University, this master’s degree offers a wide variety of electives taught from a variety of perspectives.