Missouri State 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 in IT, computer science, or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits.[4] A professional résumé and official transcripts are required for admission.

About This Program

A 30-hour graduate experience providing a holistic view of the technical, legal, and human aspects of corporate information security and network defense.

Career Outcomes

Lead as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with information security expertise

• 1. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)[5]
• 2. Chief Security Officer (CSO)[5]
• 3. Cybersecurity Risk Manager[1]
• 4. Security Operations Manager[1]

What You'll Learn

• Design, assess, and maintain organizational cyber defenses while aligning security with business objectives[1]
• Conduct risk assessments, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with federal and international regulations[1]
• Identify cyber threats including malware, social engineering, and DDoS attacks, and deploy corresponding defense measures[1]
• Develop incident response plans, build organizational resilience, and communicate cyber priorities to non-technical stakeholders[1]

Curriculum Highlights

The program focuses on protecting and securing digital information through graduate-level coursework in computer security, systems, and network best practices.

Top Employers

Top employers in cybersecurity include Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, government agencies (NSA, FBI, DHS), and major financial institutions.[1

Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits.[4] A professional résumé and official transcripts are required for admission.

Application Materials

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

Academic Requirements

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