Master of Science in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance (MSCIA)

This program is designed to address the critical and growing need for cybersecurity professionals both domestically and globally, in public and private sectors. Cybersecurity is rapidly becoming one of the most significant national and international challenges. VUST focuses on equipping its students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to “exceed emerging global challenges.” Our Master of Science in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance (MSCIA) program emphasizes the identification and mitigation of information security risks and threats faced by organizations as well as developing strategies for securing data, processes, and systems within both public and private institutions.

The program has been carefully designed to meet real-world demands and provide hands-on experience necessary for successful careers in information and cybersecurity technology. The program is ideal for IT professionals seeking mid-level cybersecurity roles involving the management of cybersecurity programs, including supervising information security implications that specifically include strategic, personnel, infrastructure, policy enforcement, emergency planning, and security awareness.

Potential job titles for graduates include: Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Assurance Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, Cybersecurity Consultant, Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator, Information Security Manager, Network Security Specialist, Network Security Administrator, System Security Auditor, and IT security specialist.

Classroom and Synchronous Online Learning

VUST offers the Master of Science degree in Cybersecurity &Information Assurance (MSCIA) in both Face-to-Face (FTF) classroom instruction and Synchronous Remote Learning (SRL – real-time online learning). The admission requirements, educational quality, faculty, curricula, syllabi, assignments, projects, examinations, and labs—as well as graduation standards, diplomas, and transcripts—are the same in both formats.

Both FTF and SRL programs consist of 12 courses totaling 54 credits. These programs, described below, have been developed by cybersecurity academics and industry professionals to prepare graduates with job-ready skills. The program offers two specialization tracks: System Cybersecurity and Operational Assurance, along with an optional capstone independent study.

The purpose of our MSCIA program is to meet the growing need for highly-skilled, job-ready professionals primarily in the computer and information technology industry, with particular emphasis on the cybersecurity sector.

The MSCIA program is designed by cybersecurity academics and industry professionals to prepare graduates with job-ready skills. It includes two specialization tracks: System Cybersecurity and Operational Assurance.

(Note: VUST’s current online programs are available only to Virginia residents and international students. VUST is not a member of NC-SARA at this time)

MSCIA STRUCTURE & Curriculum

Students in the Master of Science degree in Cybersecurity & Information Assurance must complete 54 quarter credit hours, as follows:

Core Courses

Each graduate student is required to complete six (6) out of nine (9) core courses, totaling 27 credits. The selection of core courses does not require approval from an academic advisor. The following core courses have no prerequisites. Each course is worth 4.5 quarter credit hours.

Specialization Areas

Specialization areas allow students to focus on specific fields in which they have greater interest. Specialization areas are not mandatory. They are optional and allow students to align coursework with their career goals.

Cybersecurity Systems
(Select 4 of the 5 courses below. Each course is worth 4.5 credit hours)

Information Assurance
(Select 4 of the 5 courses below. Each course is worth 4.5 credit hours)

Electives

In addition to the core and specialization courses above, students may take one or more of the following courses as electives.
(Select 2 out of 9 courses. Each course is worth 4.5 credit hours)

Experiential/Capstone Project (4.5 credits/ 1 course)

Students must complete a knowledge-integrating capstone project during their final term, after completing all core and specialization courses.

 MSCIA PROGRAM FACULTY CREDENTIALS

All faculty teaching in the MSCIA program are Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with a minimum of four years of professional experience in their respective fields. They bring extensive teaching experience from other universities and colleges and hold Ph.D. (some are ABDs) degrees in Computer Science or related fields from prestigious institutions. Please click here for detailed information on our faculty credentials. 

All Course descriptions are defined in the VUST School Catalog.