University of South Florida

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 minimum 3.0 GPA and preferably a background in information technology, cybersecurity, or related fields.[2] Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores may be required or recommended depending on the program's specific policies.

About This Program

This fully online program prepares students for leadership and managerial roles in cybersecurity with a focus on business-aligned security operations.

Career Outcomes

Position as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with cybersecurity expertise

• 1. Cybersecurity Manager
• 2. Information Security Officer (CISO)
• 3. Security Risk Analyst
• 4. Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

What You'll Learn

• Design and assess organizational cyber defenses and implement risk mitigation strategies aligned with NIST frameworks
• Conduct comprehensive cyber risk assessments, develop governance policies, and communicate security priorities to non-technical stakeholders
• Develop incident response and resilience plans to effectively manage cyber threats and limit organizational damage
• Apply knowledge of federal, state, and international cybersecurity laws (FISMA, HIPAA, GDPR) to ensure compliance and regulatory adherence

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum consists of 8-week course modules covering secure operations and risk management, culminating in a professional applied learning practicum.

Top Employers

Top employers include Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, government agencies (NSA, FBI, DHS), financial institutions, and Fortune 500 companies requiring robust cybersecurity governance and compliance.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and preferably a background in information technology, cybersecurity, or related fields.[2] Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores may be required or recommended depending on the program's specific policies.

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: Required or Optional (varies by institution)
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)