Cybersecurity | Online

Program Type
Master’s Program (Online)
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Mode of Study
Online

Tuition per credit hour

$460 for in-state and
$494 for out-of-state residents. See details and other costs

Credit hours

30 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Financial aid

Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend & tuition assistance, plus scholarship & fellowship opportunities. Explore aid

Admissions

No GRE required. Apply by August 1 for fall term; by December 15 for spring term. View application process & deadlines

Program Highlights

  • Balance your schedule while completing a degree: Our fully online program allows you to complete coursework from wherever you are.
  • Earn your degree on your terms: Study full-time and finish in as few as 2 years or study part-time and finish in 4 years.
  • Save money with affordable tuition: Out-of-state students are eligible for a reduced e-tuition rate.
  • Advance your career in a field where demand is high and expected to keep growing, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Learn from full-time faculty and PhD-trained scholars who are recognized as leaders in their fields that stretch from the White House to the Pentagon.
  • Study in a program that is nationally designated by the National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is jointly offered through the University of Southern Maine and University of Maine at Augusta.
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Gain hands-on experience

Learn to defend real-world cybersecurity attacks in a production environment through experiential learning and simulation exercises with numerous public and private entities.

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National designation

Our MS in Cybersecurity program is recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Security Agency (NSA).

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Certification options

As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply for certification as a certified information systems security professional and certified forensic computer examiner.

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Program requirements

Our program provides in-depth learning to fill the need for advanced, highly skilled cybersecurity professionals in all sectors and industries, and to enhance ethical behavior for dealing with cyber assets. Students will finish the program through either a thesis or capstone pathway with a topic of their choosing.

John Mitchell Center on the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus.

Highly accomplished faculty

Each faculty member holds a doctoral degree and/or industry-recognized certifications in cybersecurity and are recognized as leaders in their fields that stretch from the White House to the Pentagon. They regularly present their work at national and international cybersecurity conferences.

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Outsmart cybercriminals

As breach rates grow and cyberattacks become a daily occurrence for business, our graduates are qualified to be the first line of defense for governments and top organizations as cybersecurity pros. You’ll be prepared for roles in security operations, security administration, risk management, and more.

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Graduate student support

Our Office of Graduate Studies connects you with opportunities for professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster our graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.

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Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. We encourage students in graduate degree programs to apply for scholarship opportunities.

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Connect with us

Our monthly Graduate Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn more about the benefits of our program, as well as our admissions and financial process.

Register today
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Fastest growing job market

According to the Department of Labor, cybersecurity is a field in high demand, growing faster than IT jobs and all other industries. And as businesses and governments invest more heavily in cybersecurity protection, the demand will continue to grow.

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Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Admission information: Cybersecurity, MS

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Application deadlineFall term startSpring term start
FinalAugust 1December 15
International applicantsJune 1October 15
  • Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Previous academic or work experience in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee:
    • In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
    • International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Essay: Answer the following question: “What have you done in your education, experience, etc. that has prepared you to enter a Master’s in Cybersecurity program.” If you use citations, the APA format is preferred.

The MS in Cybersecurity is offered in partnership with the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). Applicants have the option of applying to either USM or to UMA. Learn more.

International student instructions

View additional application requirements

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address