Why University of South Florida?

The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity offered by the University of South Florida. The University of South florida, a very large public research university in Tampa, Florida requires applicants to hold an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems, or Information Technology, including coursework or work experience in C/C++ programming, computer networks, operating system design, algorithms, data structures and computer organization. 

The GRE is required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected. 

Program Snapshot

University Name	University of South Florida
Location	Tampa
State	Florida
Niche.com Grade	A
Name of Degree	Master of Science in Cybersecurity
School or Department Administering Program	College of Arts and Sciences, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, Muma College of Business and College of Engineering
Credits	33
Cost per credit	$380.56
Tuition for Entire Program	$12,558.48
Test Requirements	GRE
Minimum GPA	3.0
Campus Visit Required?	No
Typical Time to Complete	2 years
When Can Students Start the Program?	Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations	Cyber Intelligence; Digital Forensics; Information Assurance; Computer Security Fundamentals
Synchronous Classes	Some
Required Courses	· Data Network, Systems, and Security · Applied Cryptography · Information Security & Risk Management · Decision Processes for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery · 5-6 Concentration Courses
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship?	No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	Testing each semester that requires at an approved testing center; most courses in 8 week format; high degree of specialization within degree
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	To prepare students for intelligence positions that require innovative, analytical, decision-making, and technical skills for providing cybersecurity intelligence, information assurance positions that require secure management of information and data transferred, used, stored, and processed in information systems, law enforcement positions that are required to deal more and more with cyber-crimes, and cybersecurity positions that require deep technical skills in the security domain.
Program Description	Consisting of 33 required credits, this program taught from an interdisciplinary perspective combining computer science, social science, and business approaches. Students choose between four concentrations. 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 program allows students to choose between the following concentrations: Cyber Intelligence,  Digital Forensics, Information Assurance or Computer Security Fundamentals. 

The program is designed to prepare students for cyber intelligence positions. The curriculum ephasizes the skills of innovation, analysis, and decision-making, along with strong technical skills for cybersecurity intelligence and information assurance. Graduates are prepared to manage information security and data transferral, storage and maintenance. They are also equipped with the skills to confront cyber-crime and digital forensics. 

All students must take the following courses: Data Network, Systems, and Security, Applied Cryptography, Information Security & Risk Management, and Decision Processes for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. All students then take five or six courses within their concentration. 

How much will the program cost?

The typical time for completion of the degree is 2 years of study. Students pay $380.56 per credit for a total of 33 credits, or $2,558.48 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. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. 

The typical time for completion of the degree is 2 years of study. Most courses are taught within an 8-week format, allowing greater focus on each subject. Students must take tests each semester that must be completed at an approved testing center. 

Summary

This lower-cost program from a well-regarded university is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective combining computer science, social science, and business approaches.  The program follows a traditional course schedule. Applicants will be attracted to this program for its low cost, 8-week courses, and opportunities for substantial specialization within each concentration.