Excelsior 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 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a background in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some programs require work experience in IT or cybersecurity; others accept recent graduates with strong technical foundations.[2][4

About This Program

This fully online master's degree prepares students to protect organizational cyber assets by learning to prevent, detect, and recover from incidents. It emphasizes both technical defense and organizational leadership.

Career Outcomes

Advance as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with cybersecurity expertise

• 1. Cybersecurity Analyst
• 2. Penetration Tester
• 3. Security Architect
• 4. Incident Response Manager

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement network security defenses, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to protect organizational infrastructure
• Analyze vulnerabilities and conduct penetration testing to identify security weaknesses before attackers exploit them
• Investigate cybersecurity incidents, recover digital evidence, and respond to breaches using forensic techniques
• Develop secure software architectures, apply cryptographic solutions, and manage cybersecurity risk across enterprise environments

Curriculum Highlights

The 30-credit program includes a major core and a choice of concentrations like Information Assurance. Courses cover cyber defense mitigation, digital forensics, and strategic talent management within security.

Top Employers

Top employers include Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, government agencies (NSA, DHS, FBI, U.S. Cyber Command), and defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.[1][3

Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a background in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some programs require work experience in IT or cybersecurity; others accept recent graduates with strong technical foundations.[2][4

Application Materials

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

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Master of Science (MS)
• GRE/GMAT: Optional (varies by program)
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)