California State University San Marcos

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (some programs accept 2.75 with provisional admission).[2] Prior coursework in computer science, information technology, or related fields is typically preferred but not always required; a GRE score may be requested if undergraduate GPA falls below 3.0.[2

About This Program

This online Professional Science Master's degree integrates advanced technical cybersecurity instruction with essential business management training to prepare students for leadership roles in cyber defense.

Career Outcomes

Lead as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with cybersecurity expertise

• 1. Security Engineer
• 2. Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker
• 3. Cybersecurity Analyst
• 4. Digital Forensics Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement secure network architectures and defend against cyber threats
• Apply cryptographic techniques and conduct penetration testing to identify system vulnerabilities
• Perform digital forensics investigations and incident response management
• Develop secure software and manage cybersecurity risk within enterprise environments

Curriculum Highlights

The program structure includes seven technical courses (cryptography, intrusion detection, offensive security), business modules (leadership, risk management), and a project-based capstone \"Semester-in-Residence.\"

Top Employers

Top employers include Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Amazon Web Services, government agencies (NSA, FBI, CISA), and major financial institutions.[1][3

Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (some programs accept 2.75 with provisional admission).[2] Prior coursework in computer science, information technology, or related fields is typically preferred but not always required; a GRE score may be requested if undergraduate GPA falls below 3.0.[2

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Master of Science (MS)
• GRE/GMAT: Optional / Conditionally Required (based on undergraduate GPA)
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)