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

The Virginia University of Science & Technology (VUST) offers the MSCIA program in two formats: Face-to-Face (FTF) classroom instruction and Synchronous Remote Learning (SRL), which provides real-time online learning. Regardless of delivery format, the admission requirements, faculty qualifications, curricula, syllabi, assignments, projects, examinations, laboratories, graduation standards, diplomas, and transcripts remain identical, ensuring consistent academic quality across both modes of study.

The MSCIA program consists of 12 courses totaling 54 credits. It has been developed collaboratively by cybersecurity academics and industry professionals to equip graduates with advanced, job-ready skills. Students may choose from two specialization tracks:

‣ System Cybersecurity
‣ Operational Assurance

The purpose of the MSCIA program is to address the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in the computer and information technology industry, with particular emphasis on the cybersecurity sector. The program’s applied, hands-on curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce with strong technical and professional capabilities.

Note: At present, VUST’s online programs are available only to Virginia residents and international students. VUST is not currently a member of NC-SARA.

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 take five (5) out of nine (9) core courses, equaling a total of 27 credits. The choice of core courses does not need to be approved by an academic advisor. The following core courses do not have prerequisites. Each course is 4.5 quarter credit hours.

CONCENTRATION/SPECIALIZATION AREAS

MSCIA students have the option to choose a concentration that allows for deeper study in emerging and diverse areas of cyber security and information assurance. These specialization areas cater to students who may have a particular interest in one field over others. Choosing a specialization is entirely optional and is intended to support students in aligning their studies with future career goals.

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

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

ELECTIVES

In addition to the above core and specialization courses, students can take one or more of the following courses as their 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 experiential/capstone project in the last term after concluding all core and concentration 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.

All Course descriptions are defined in the VUST School Catalog.