Master of Science (MS) in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Online
Earn an Information Assurance and Cybersecurity MS Degree Online
Are you looking to make a difference in the world of cybersecurity? If so, Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity may be the right choice for you. This 34-credit program, which typically takes 18 months to complete, focuses on the managerial side of cybersecurity and is informed by aspects of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity teaches you to become knowledgeable in global cybersecurity by preparing you to handle security risks facing corporate institutions, as well as government and military entities.
Enhance Your Learning With an Online Master’s Degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
With over 85,500 online students,1 GCU specializes in online learning and strives to provide you with quality education that fits your life stage and schedule. GCU works with online students to ensure that they’re offered a flexible education with affordable payment options and a plethora of useful resources. By doing this, GCU allows you to take control of your schedule, finances, education and future.
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What You’ll Learn in the Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Master’s Program
Courses are taught by knowledgeable faculty who share extensive cybersecurity knowledge and experience. Through their hands-on learning practices, you are taught to analyze and evaluate risk assessment methods, compare aspects of cybersecurity at the federal, state and international level, do in-depth evaluations to access a network’s security and effectively secure data. Courses include an introductory course for graduate students in the Colangelo College of Business, as well as courses in cyber warfare and applications, enterprise security infrastructure design, policy management for security solutions and more. In this online master’s program, you must also complete a capstone course focused on cybersecurity leadership.
Featured Areas of Study in the MS Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Degree Program
- Information security
- Risk management
- Corporate and government data breaches
- Consumer theft
- Cybercrimes
- Cyberterrorism
- Development and management of information security practices
- Incident management and recovery
- Compliance
- Governance
Explore Your Career Options in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Graduates who have earned their master’s in information assurance and cybersecurity can be prepared to defend various institutions against large-scale cyberattacks and ensure that data is stored securely. Additionally, you will be taught to handle large-scale security risks or breaches.
After graduation, you may move on to pursue important roles in a corporate, government or military setting in the cybersecurity industry, such as the following:
- Computer and information systems manager
- Data scientist
- Information security analyst
- Software quality assurance analyst and tester
- Computer systems analyst
Master's in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity FAQs
An information assurance and cybersecurity master’s degree may be a great choice for those looking to advance their skillset and knowledge in the cybersecurity field and position themselves for possible higher-level positions in IT. With ever-changing technology comes the need for new protective measures to keep our information secure, and this information and cybersecurity degree can help you stay relevant in the IT world.
An online degree, while providing you with the same high-quality education as a traditional, on-campus program, is suitable for those who need flexibility in their classes. The curriculum is not easier than a traditional, on-campus program, however, the online format may make the program easier to access for those not currently located near the university.
You must first have an undergraduate degree to pursue a master’s program in information assurance and cybersecurity. You would also need to review additional graduate admissions requirements to ensure that you are eligible for your program.
1 Includes students who have participated in an online class in August or September 2022 and does not include students in a cohort program.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Business. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
With a brief introduction to cybercrime and cybersecurity, this course will provide students with an overview of the various attacks and the countermeasures organizations can use to defend themselves. Exploring concepts such as defense-in-depth, layered security, vulnerability assessments, risk management, governance and compliance, and encryption; students will become familiar with prevention and protection theories, best practices, and strategies to securing corporate data (intellectual property). This course will conclude with an exploration of the various hacker psychologies and the differences between black-hat, grey-hat, and white-hat (Hackers with Halos) hackers. Prerequisite: UNV-504 or UNV-507.
Course Description
This course introduces enterprise infrastructure design; including hardware, software, policies, and business processes. Emphasis is placed on integrating security solutions and theories in alignment with business objectives to achieve sustainability, reliability, and availability while deterring threats from cyber-attacks. This course also introduces students to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, providing a foundation to formulating a strategy for cybersecurity program design. Prerequisite: CYB-505.
Course Description
This course introduces a policy perspective on security design. Students will consider cybersecurity frameworks, policies, cyber law, regulations, and standards in the configuration, development, and design of an enterprise policy infrastructure. In addition, students will examine the impact of policy implementation on enterprise systems and personnel management. Prerequisite: CYB-505.
Course Description
This course introduces key issues in managing information technology and data within contemporary organizations. Students examine the role of leveraging IT and data analytics to drive innovation and add value to organizations through addressing business and market needs. Challenges regarding technology adoption and best practices for utilizing data for organizational decision making are also addressed.
Course Description
This course introduces leadership and team management skills relevant to leading information technology teams and departments. Students examine various structures of IT organizations and consider strategies and tactics for leading virtual and co-located technology teams, encouraging high employee performance, and managing conflict within dynamic business environments. Ethical issues in leadership and management are also considered.
Course Description
This course explores the human and enterprise aspects of cybersecurity management. From information security awareness to strategic planning; students will begin with the examination of the ideologies behind cybercrime, where attacks come from and why, followed by implementation techniques to best align cybersecurity applications with business objectives. This course provides a look at the strategies security professionals use to identify the attack vectors and plan accordingly to secure information systems using various industry compliances, regulations, and standards to design and implement cost effective controls, policies, and training to implement defense-in-depth techniques. This course ends with an impact analysis of when security measures fail, which includes legal elements and liability and ethical issues relating to forensic investigations. Prerequisite: CYB-535.
Course Description
This course examines core issues related to information security within the framework of effective IT governance. Students evaluate security mechanisms, operational issues, and policies and plans related to cybersecurity within organizations. There is also emphasis on threat analysis, assessing system vulnerabilities, forensics, and recovery. Prerequisite: MIS-602. Prerequisite: MIS-602.
Course Description
This course is an integrative, practical, cybersecurity leadership experience. It provides a holistic view of information assurance and cybersecurity through the practical application of leadership duties in the information security industry.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.