Online Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity
Build Expertise in Cybersecurity Defense
Safeguarding sensitive information and digital assets is crucial for every sector and industry. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program at GCU teaches you how to combat the threat of cyberattacks through proactive security measures.
Offered by the College of Engineering and Technology, you will examine the factors that influence and jeopardize cybersecurity, such as system vulnerabilities and enterprise policy infrastructure. This advanced program can prepare you to safeguard systems, data, processes and people through the use of white hat practices. Prepare to tackle modern, continually evolving digital threats, from data breaches to ransomware, in your MS in Cybersecurity program.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
An Institution Focused on Student Growth
GCU is committed to helping students advance academically and professionally through a flexible MS in Cybersecurity designed for working adults. With courses offered online, you can build practical, career-relevant skills while balancing other responsibilities. GCU’s supportive learning environment can help you grow and adapt in a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.
We understand the need for flexible learning paths. With courses offered online, you have the opportunity to fit classes around your current schedule. Our online learning platform allows for virtual peer-to-peer collaboration and easy access to knowledgeable faculty members.
Develop a full cybersecurity program in this master’s in cybersecurity, taking into consideration ethical and legal issues. This capstone course offers you the opportunity to apply your skills in a hands-on project that you may use as part of your professional portfolio.
The Christian worldview and ethical decision-making within the digital realm receive special focus. This cybersecurity degree educates students on the Hackers with Halos methodology. This approach embraces Christian ethics and principles and applies them to white-hat computer applications.
Master's in Cybersecurity Online Coursework
The MS in Cybersecurity offers a broad survey of cybersecurity competencies relevant to combating modern digital threats. You will study topics from the design of enterprise security infrastructure to security policy implementation to layered security and encryption. Cybersecurity is a concern for all types of organizations and this degree program includes a look at the deployment of security frameworks for small to midsize businesses (SMBs).
This cybersecurity program teaches hands-on skills and industry-aligned topics, including the following:
Advanced network security
Vulnerability identification
Digital forensics
Ethical hacking and penetration testing
Security governance and compliance
Risk assessment frameworks
Security design policy
Intellectual property protection
Graduate-Level Cybersecurity Programs
We offer numerous career-focused programs for professionals interested in refining their tech skill set. Discover our other academic offerings in the cybersecurity field.
Career Opportunities for MS in Cybersecurity Graduates
As a current or aspiring cybersecurity professional, you can contribute to the success and longevity of your organization by protecting its intellectual property, reducing the risk of data breaches and reputational damage and safeguarding the sensitive information of end users. Cybersecurity specialists are needed across a diverse range of fields. These include healthcare, education, finance, insurance and digital assets. Manufacturing businesses and the energy sector have also been facing increasing numbers of digital security threats.(See disclaimer 1)
Careers related to this degree include:
Computer and information systems manager
Information security analyst
Computer network architect
Database architect
Network and computer systems administrator
Estimated job growth for computer and information systems managers from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 2)
Median annual wage for computer and information systems managers as of May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
Pursue Your Cybersecurity Degree From an Accredited University
Elevate your expertise in digital risk management and cyberdefense by earning a master’s in cybersecurity from our institutionally accredited university. GCU has maintained institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Engineering and Technology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to frequently asked questions about our MS in Cybersecurity program and gain helpful insight as you consider your academic and professional goals.
Is an MS in Cybersecurity worth it?
What is the difference between computer science and cybersecurity?
What can I do with a master's in cybersecurity?
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Tackle current and emerging threats to information security and digital assets while developing strong skills in cybersecurity. Apply online today.
- Wintemute, D. (2023, April 11). Best Industries for Cybersecurity. Cyber Degrees. Retrieved December 2025.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, retrieved December 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Systems Managers, as of May 2024, retrieved December 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Computer and Information Systems Managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.