Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Online
Assess Cybersecurity Governance and Risk Management
Designed for professionals who want to lead at the intersection of technology, policy and business, the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance degree can prepare you to navigate today’s complex and evolving digital threat environment. This program blends cybersecurity foundations with business and regulatory insight to help you understand how organizations manage cyber hazards, meet compliance expectations and influence enterprise decision‑making.
Students explore security controls and assurance, regulatory frameworks, control design and risk reporting while examining the impact of emerging technologies such as generative AI and quantum computing. This cybersecurity GRC program is well-suited for those seeking to work in highly regulated industries or advisory roles where assurance, audit readiness and measurable controls matter. Graduates can gain the perspective needed to collaborate with auditors, regulators and executive leadership while supporting responsible and resilient cyber operations.
Online: $610 per credit [More Info]
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).
Why Earn Your Cybersecurity GRC Master’s at GCU?
GCU delivers a purpose‑driven graduate education that can help prepare you to navigate the responsibilities of organizational security, risk oversight and regulatory accountability. Grounded in a Christian worldview, the curriculum emphasizes ethical decision‑making, strategic policy development and industry‑aligned practices informed by practical expectations. With flexible online learning, experienced faculty and a supportive academic environment, you can gain hands-on insight and guidance to help prepare you for enterprise‑level security and compliance roles.
This online program offers a flexible format designed for professionals focused on cyber risk leadership and oversight, allowing you to balance advanced study with career responsibilities. The online learning platform provides access to structured courses, faculty engagement and digital resources.
GCU offers online tuition that is competitive and transparent. With our affordable rates and financial aid options, you can invest in your graduate education with more confidence.
GCU integrates ethical and Christian values into its academic approach, encouraging you to view cybersecurity through the lens of responsibility, integrity and service. This mission‑driven perspective teaches you to make principled decisions while protecting organizations and communities in an increasingly digital world.
Online MS in Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance Coursework
The curriculum is designed to move from foundational concepts to advanced, practical application, giving you a clear view of how cybersecurity governance, risk and compliance function across the enterprise. Coursework emphasizes strategic thinking, regulatory awareness and informed execution to support decision making and organizational accountability.
You will be taught core competencies such as:
Threat and risk identification
Recognizing cybersecurity risks and enterprise exposure
Governance design and alignment
Designing governance structures aligned with business and regulatory priorities needs
Compliance and regulatory application
Applying industry frameworks, laws and compliance requirements
Cyber risk assessment
Conducting qualitative and quantitative assessments
Control implementation and metrics
Implementing and measuring security controls and metrics
Enterprise risk communication
Communicating aggregated risk and control effectiveness to leadership
Incident governance and response
Managing cybersecurity incidents within legal and regulatory boundaries
Applied GRC decision-making
Applying governance and compliance concepts in realistic scenarios
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance Degree?
Graduates of this master’s in cybersecurity governance degree may be prepared for oversight roles focused on managing cyber threats, compliance obligations and security programs across organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need remains strong(See disclaimer 1) for professionals who can align cybersecurity strategy with regulatory requirements, making this master’s degree relevant for technology careers in security analysis, management and enterprise risk functions across regulated industries.(See disclaimer 2)
Careers related to this degree include:
Information security analyst
Computer network support specialist
Computer network architect
Computer and information systems manager
Database administrator
Database architect
Network and computer systems administrator
Median annual wage for information security analysts as of May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
Estimated job growth for information security analysts from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 1)
Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree From an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by 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.
Cybersecurity GRC Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to frequently asked questions about our online MS in cybersecurity governance program and gain helpful insight as you consider your academic and professional goals.
What is cybersecurity risk reporting and why is it important?
What is cybersecurity risk reporting, and why is it important?
What skills will I develop in a cybersecurity governance, risk and compliance program?
Is a master’s in cybersecurity governance, risk and compliance worth it?
How is a cybersecurity governance, risk and compliance degree different from a traditional MS in cybersecurity?
Does this GRC program focus on technical cybersecurity skills?
How does this cybersecurity GRC program address emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing?
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Strengthen your skills and stay ahead. Discover how to elevate your expertise in cybersecurity governance, risk and compliance.
- 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, Information Security Analysts, retrieved April 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Information Security Analysts: What Information Security Analysts Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved April 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Information Security Analysts, as of May 2024, retrieved April 2026. 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 information security analysts, 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.