Eastern Illinois University

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 (or equivalent). A background in information technology or computer science is preferred but not required; applicants without technical experience may be asked to complete prerequisite coursework.

About This Program

This program provides comprehensive training in protecting digital assets from cyber threats using both offensive and defensive security strategies.

Career Outcomes

Thrive as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with master skills expertise

• 1. Information Security Manager
• 2. Cybersecurity Analyst
• 3. Cyber Governance Specialist
• 4. Incident Response Manager

What You'll Learn

• Design, assess, and maintain organizational cyber defenses while aligning security with business objectives
• Conduct cyber risk assessments, threat intelligence analysis, and incident response planning
• Apply cybersecurity frameworks (NIST CSF, FAIR) and comply with federal, state, and international regulations
• Develop governance policies and communicate cyber priorities to non-technical stakeholders

Top Employers

Top employers in cybersecurity include major technology firms (Microsoft, Cisco, IBM), government agencies (NSA, FBI, Department of Defense), financial institutions, and healthcare organizations.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent). A background in information technology or computer science is preferred but not required; applicants without technical experience may be asked to complete prerequisite coursework.

Application Materials

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

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)