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Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, MS

Masters of Science Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

The need for expert cybersecurity professionals has never been greater: Cyberattacks are increasing worldwide, and organizations of all types and sizes are vulnerable. If you want to master the advanced skills and technological tools necessary to protect vital infrastructure systems, the University of Central Missouri’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance is one of the most affordable and top-ranked programs in the United States. UCM's Cybersecurity department has been designated  as a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency since 2022. Our MS Cybersecurity curriculum has been designed by faculty who offer diverse academic, research and industry expertise in the full range of career pathways. Seven UCM faculty have earned one or more SANS GIAC certifications.

With a Cybersecurity MS from UCM, you’ll master the science behind solving problems in the field using advanced technology and techniques. You’ll design and analyze security policies and systems to meet information security requirements and learn to evaluate and maintain cyber systems to ensure secure, reliable organizational operations.

Online Cybersecurity master’s courses meet the needs of working professionals

Is your goal to update your skills, deepen your knowledge and earn a high-paying MS Cybersecurity salary? Returning to grad school can help prepare you to take on increased responsibilities in your current job or change your career to work in this exciting tech field. 
Our Cybersecurity master’s degree is designed to be flexible and affordable yet comprehensive to give you a high-value return on your investment. You can take classes in Warrensburg, at our Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) near Kansas City or in an online Cybersecurity master’s format.

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Synchronous online class format

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Top 50 Cybersecurity master’s program

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Most faculty are SANS GIAC-certified

National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Meets highest standards in cyber defense

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$65K to $70K average starting salary

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Flexible, online degree option

 

What you will study

Our program curriculum has been continuously improved via annual advisory board meetings with our industry partners in order to meet the industry demand.
While earning your Cybersecurity master’s degree from UCM, you’ll have 24/7 access to our NDG NetLab system to practice advanced level skills in ethical hacking and computer forensics in an isolated and safe environment.

Your hands-on instruction extends beyond the classroom to internships, graduate-level research opportunities, study abroad programs and on-site tours of partner organizations. You can take classes in-person at The Missouri Innovation Center (MIC) in Lee’s Summit, and online Cybersecurity master’s courses are offered to give more flexibility to working professionals and non-commuters.  

At the University of Central Missouri, you can complete your two-year Cybersecurity master’s degree while building advanced skills in topics such as:

  • Cybersecurity Policies and Risk Management
  • Advanced Computer Networking and Security
  • Threat Intelligence and Incident Response

 

Excellence in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance 

 

Unique learning opportunities in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

We are laser-focused on providing our Cybersecurity master’s degree students with access to real-world cybersecurity technologies. We combine our strong curriculum with mentoring opportunities to strengthen your ability to compete for a well-paying MS Cybersecurity salary.

  • Graduate assistantships and internships: Graduate assistantships provide valuable on-the-job experience and a stipend to offset your grad school expenses. GAs are paired with faculty to conduct research projects, run labs and teach undergraduate classes in Warrensburg and at our Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) in Lee’s Summit. Graduate internships offer additional hands-on opportunities to gain frontline industry experience.
  • Career building community: Our vibrant UCM network includes site visits and Q&As with Fishtech, the Federal Reserve Bank and other regional partners. These connections to leading industry partners, school administrators, agency heads and Kansas City area professionals offer insider perspectives on MS Cybersecurity salary ranges and opportunities. You can also meet our active Advisory Board of UCM alumni mentors who participate in panel discussions, conferences and other events on campus in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit.
  • Networking: Join UCM chapters of the National Cybersecurity Student Association (NCSA) and the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), as well as our honor society for Computing and Information Disciplines, Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE). You’ll have additional opportunities to present at conferences, competitions and other events. 
  • Synchronous online format: Online Cybersecurity MS students can interact directly with their instructors to get immediate feedback. 

 

What can you do with a degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from UCM?

The Cybersecurity master’s degree program at the University of Central Missouri can prepare you for senior cybersecurity and information assurance jobs. Our Cybersecurity MS graduates have established careers with industry leaders such as Cerner, Federal Reserve Bank, SAIC, Commerce Bank, H&R Block, Garmin and others.

Advance your career potential with a Cybersecurity master’s

Your mastery of high-demand analytical and technological cybersecurity skills can help you earn a competitive MS Cybersecurity salary. The real-world experience you’ll gain at UCM while earning your MS Cybersecurity degree could help increase your income-earning potential and prepare you to excel in an exciting and rewarding tech career. 
Explore career opportunities, projected job growth rates and MS Cybersecurity salary ranges with the interactive tool below.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your MS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree

As part of the “Top 55 Most Affordable Cybersecurity Schools and Colleges in the U.S.”, according to Cyber Degrees Edu, our Cybersecurity master’s program is easier on your wallet than many universities in Kansas City, St. Louis and the rest of Missouri.

At the same time, we also offer several resources to help finance your education while earning your Cybersecurity master’s degree. For example, eligible master’s-level students may apply for a graduate assistantship to earn a stipend while helping faculty with research projects and teaching responsibilities.

We also offer several scholarships specifically for graduate students in the Cybersecurity master’s program on top of financial support offered through the University of Central Missouri. These include:

  • Chelsoft Scholarship
  • Cooper Scholarship

 

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Explore programs related to Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.

 

If you’re interested in computers and technology but not convinced cybersecurity is the right career field for you, you could explore grad degree programs in similar disciplines, such as:

 

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