Why University of Rhode Island?
The online Professional Science Masters in Cybersecurity offered by the the University of Rhode Island provides an exciting opportunity for a career-focused training in cybersecurity skills. The University of Rhode Island, a large public research university in Kingston, Rhode Island requires applicants to have a computer science background. Fundamentals for Cyber Security, a self-paced program, is available to enrolled students who come from less technical backgrounds.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | University of Rhode Island |
| Location | Kingston |
| State | Rhode Island |
| Niche.com Grade | B |
| Name of Degree | Professional Science Masters in Cybersecurity |
| School or Department Administering Program | URI online |
| Credits | 36 |
| Cost per credit | $1,055.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $37,980.00 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall |
| Program Concentrations | Forensics and Incident Response; Security |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses | · Introduction to Information Assurance
· Introduction to Network and Systems Security · Advanced Topics and Network and System Security · Professional Skills for Cyber Security · 4 Concentration Courses |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Emphasis on effective communication; required internship which may be completed at the student’s current employer; hands-on curriculum; preparation for CCE, CFCE, GCFE, GCFA, ACE, Security+, GISF, GSEC, and GCED exams |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Protect and defend computer systems and networks from cybersecurity attacks; Characterize privacy, legal and ethical issues of information security; Identify vulnerabilities critical to the information assets of an organization; Define the security controls sufficient to provide a required level of confidentiality, integrity, and availability in an organization’s computer systems and networks; Diagnose and investigate cybersecurity events or crimes related to computer systems and digital evidence; Diagnose attacks on an organization’s computer systems and networks; Propose solutions including development, modification and execution of incident response plans; Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to detect current and future attacks; Effectively communicate in a professional setting to technical and non-technical decision-makers; Apply business principles to analyze and interpret data for planning, decision-making, and problem solving |
| Program Description | Consisting of 36 credits, this program is aimed at professionals wishing to further their job skills. Students choose between two concentrations. All students participate in a required internship. Following a traditional course schedule, the program is designed for students wishing to work and study at the same time. |
What will I Learn?
The URI degree program offers two concentrations: Forensics and Incident Response, and Security. Graduates of the URI program will be equipped with the skills necessary to defend organizations from cyber security threats. They will be knowledgeable about the privacy, legal, and ethical issues of the information security and assurance field. They will be familiar with typical security controls available to provide confidentiality, integrity and privacy for a variety of systems. Following a cybersecurity attack, graduates of this program will be able to diagnose and investigate the attack and provide evidence regarding the vulnerability and threat. Knowledgeable about incident response plans and possible solutions, graduates will be able to effectively argue for changes in an organization’s cybersecurity posture.
Throughout the curriculum, the University of Rhode Island cyber-security master’s program focuses on key skills such as data analytics, critical thinking, problem solving oh, decision-making, business principles, planning, and effective communication.
The following courses are required: Introduction to Information Assurance; Introduction to Network and Systems Security, Advanced Topics and Network and System Security, and Professional Skills for Cyber Security. Students take four courses within their concentration. The remaining courses are electives.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for common industry certification exams.
How much will the program cost?
The typical time for completion of the degree is 2 years of study. Students pay $1,055.00 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or $37,980.00 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. The typical time for completion of the degree is 2 years of study. Students can enter the program in the Fall semester.
Summary
Mid-range in terms of cost, the cybersecurity Master’s program at this regional university is aimed at professionals wishing to further their job skills. The program follows a traditional course schedule. All students participate in a required internship, and an attractive feature of the program is the fact that the student may complete the internship at his or her current employer. Applicants may be attracted by the program’s emphasis on effective communication, practical experience, and focus on preparation for common industry certifications.
