While increased access to technology improves your life, it also threatens your personal data. This rapid development has made cybersecurity crucial.
The Cybersecurity MS program at DU blends cybersecurity and computer science education to give you a solid technical foundation with essential skills. We offer three introductory courses for those entering from other fields. What sets us apart is our tool-agnostic approach, focusing on technical skills and foundational knowledge. This approach not only prepares you for any cybersecurity job as the industry evolves but also opens a world of possibilities for your learning journey.
Our program is ideal if you have an IT background or strong computer skills; it is less suited to those who are already proficient in computer science and cybersecurity.
Start Dates: Fall
Curriculum: 48-60 Credit Hours
Program Length: 18-24 Months
10-20 Students per cohort to work closely with program faculty
15,000 Unfilled, open cybersecurity jobs in Colorado (2024) cyberseek.org
50% Tuition discount for all students in the program
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
How our curriculum prepares you for your career in cybersecurity
Gain experience from practical hands-on projects
Your learning will be reinforced with practical, hands-on cybersecurity projects, giving you several opportunities to apply your skills and build a portfolio of project experience upon graduation.
Courses that teach you to think strategically about cybersecurity
Learn to ask the right questions and address cybersecurity challenges in any context. Our courses provide you with a comprehensive understanding and tools across the cybersecurity domain, including protecting security information systems and infrastructure; detecting, countering, recovering, and preventing cyber incidents; ensuring availability and integrity of data resources; assessing security risk; and cybersecurity policy.
Learn from full-time faculty
Our program faculty are full-time and have industry experience in cybersecurity. Our small cohort sizes allow you to work closely with cybersecurity faculty in your projects and coursework.
Pursue your career interests with your capstone
Our program includes a capstone that allows students to focus on what aspect of cybersecurity interests them most. Students can also choose to intern in the field or work on cutting-edge research or projects in whatever space they choose.
Preparation for industry certifications
The courses align closely with recognized certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, Network+, etc. While we don’t provide the certifications, the courses cover more in-depth material and should allow students to take the certifications without much additional preparation.
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Application Information
Foundational Courses - 12 Credit Hours
Foundational Courses provide a computer science foundation for students who do not have a computer science background. The department pre-assesses Foundational Course needs. Students may test out of one or more Foundational Courses.
- COMP 3003 - Foundations in Computer Systems
- COMP 3004 - Foundations in Discrete Structures & Algorithms
- COMP 3005 - Foundations in Python Programming
Required Courses - 48 Credit Hours
- COMP 3006 - Python Software Development
- COMP 3356 - Introductory C/C++ Programming
- COMP 3361 - Operating Systems I
- COMP 3731 - Computer Forensics
- COMP 4455 - Shell Scripting and System Tools
- COMP 4384 - Secure Software Engineering
- COMP 4621 - Computer Networking
- COMP 4721 - Computer Security
- COMP 4722 - Network Security
- COMP 4723 - Ethical Hacking
- COMP 4799 - Capstone Project in Cybersecurity
Electives - 4 Credit Hours
Elective credits must be either a pre-approved cybersecurity course at DU, or with advisor approval.
Pre-approved courses:
- COMP 4732 - Human-Centered Data Security and Privacy
- COMP 3421 - Database Organization & Management I
- COMP 3424 - NoSQL Databases
Cybersecurity is in Demand
Industry experts predict a 35% growth rate in cybersecurity jobs from 2021-2031. Through DU's cybersecurity program, you'll be ready to enter the workforce and make an impact. According to cyberseek.org, there are approximately 15,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in Colorado (2024) and over 450,000 openings in the US.
Our alumni work with local companies like DarkOwl and big names like Zoom, IBM, and Microsoft. They hold positions ranging from tier 1 analysts and penetration testers to cybersecurity management, software engineers and security specialists. Our degree equips you with the skills to pursue any cybersecurity career you desire.
Security Analyst
Pen Tester/Red-Teamer
Security Engineer
Network Security Operations
Cloud Security Engineer
Featured Alumna of MS Cybersecurity
Nadia Sharifi is a cybersecurity professional who pursued a master’s degree in Cybersecurity to gain the foundational technical knowledge needed for a successful career. While pursuing her degree, Nadia also gained work experience as an intelligence analyst, where she learned about the tactics and techniques used by real-world threat actors. Driven by a moral obligation to safeguard information systems and her love of technical challenges, she pursued penetration testing as a career path. Nadia is currently employed at IBM X-Force Red, where she hacks companies of all shapes and sizes.
Get Started on Your MS in Cybersecurity
Build your cybersecurity career with a master's degree at the University of Denver’s Ritchie School of Engineering.
