Why University of Idaho?
The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity offered by University of Idaho recruits applicants for its online cybersecurity Master of Science program. UI, accepts applications from individuals with Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, another engineering discipline, or other related areas. Applicants who have degrees outside of Computer Science or Engineering are expected to have relevant work or educational experience.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | University of Idaho |
| Location | Moscow |
| State | Idaho |
| Niche.com Grade | B+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | College of Engineering |
| Credits | 30 |
| Cost per credit | $549.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $16,470.00 |
| Test Requirements | None |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall or Spring |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous Classes | Some |
| Required Courses | · Cybersecurity Graduate Seminar
· Computer Science Research Methods · Digital Forensics · Advanced Information Assurance Concepts · Advanced Networking & Security · Master’s Research or Thesis · Electives |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Master’s thesis or Master’s research required |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Active student cybersecurity competitions; CyberCorps scholarship for service; faculty expertise in Power Engineering; Information Assurance, Industrial Control Systems; Transportation; small class sizes; National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education; long-running program; Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) capable of simulating any modern high voltage power grid configuration; |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Research Methods; Digital Forensics; Information Assurance; Networking; Security; |
| Program Description | This 30-credit program emphasizes engineering approaches and skills. This is a generalist program with no concentrations offered, but students do have flexibility to take electives. Students must complete either a Master’s research project or a Master’s thesis as a capstone to the program. The program follows a traditional course schedule |
What will I Learn?
Graduates from this program will have skills and knowledge in the areas of research methods, digital forensics, information assurance, networking, and security. Faculty have expertise in power engineering, electrical systems, information assurance, industrial control systems, and transportation engineering. In particular, students have access to the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) capable of simulating any modern high voltage power grid configuration.
The program offers more choice in electives than many other similar programs, due to the research depth of the faculty and the size of the university. Students are required to take Computer Science Research Methods, Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity Graduate Seminar, AdvanceInformation Assurance Concepts, and Advanced Networking & Security. All students are required to complete a Master’s Research Project or Thesis.
This long-running program is a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
How Much Will the Program Cost?
Most students complete the program within 2 years and pay $549.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $16,470.00 in total.
The department participates in the CyberCorps scholarship for service program, in which students receive a significant stipend in exchange for military service after graduation.
How does the program fit into my life?
Some courses are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. Some courses are synchronous, requiring attendance at a “live” class at the same time each week. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 2 years. Students can enter the program in Fall or Spring.
In addition to coursework, students can also participate in Cyber Defense Club and th CyberForce Competition Team. The program offers small class sizes.
Summary
The lower-cost cybersecurity master’s program at this respected university emphasizes engineering approaches and skills. The program follows a traditional course schedule, and includes a required Master’s research project or thesis.
In comparison with other lower-cost programs, the University of Idaho cybersecurity master’s offers greater flexibility and greater range of electives, partnered with expert faculty in a number of research areas. It therefore represents good value for applicants interested in research and innovation.
