Application deadline
Credits and costs
Nationally Recognized
As the important information we exchange for government administration, commerce, education, and everyday communication transitions from the printed page to digital platforms, it has never been more critical to protect the systems, networks, and programs we use, as well as the information itself, from the threat of attack and unauthorized access. The Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to stand in defense of our most confidential and sensitive data.
This online program, offered by the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) in partnership with Penn State World Campus, is designed to create a deep understanding of cybersecurity analytics and operations by blending education relating to technology, incident response, strategic planning, and crisis management. The program also aims to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity analysts to better protect digital information from attack through cyber-defense strategies, including incident response, strategic planning, and crisis management. From all levels of government to businesses of any size, advanced professional skills in cybersecurity protection are needed by all industries.
Why Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations at Penn State?
As a student in this online program, you’ll have the opportunity to understand and analyze the profound information and technological changes sweeping the world. You will learn how to meet those challenges using foundations in cybersecurity theory and tactics and be equipped to recognize, analyze, defend, and manage risks related to a wide range of threats to online information, data stores, and networks. Finally, you will have the option to customize your education with electives that match your interests and professional goals.
Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology is a leading information technology school with courses taught by a diverse group of experienced practitioners and researchers from a number of fields, including computer science, engineering, psychology, chemistry, and artificial intelligence. You can trust the quality and value of your education — Penn State is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense.
Who Should Apply?
The MPS program is multidisciplinary in nature; students from many different disciplines may be accepted for entry into the program. While not necessary for admission, a bachelor's degree in a related area (e.g., business, engineering, or science) is helpful in the successful completion of the degree. It is expected that students will have a basic level of competency in networking, as well as computer and information technology. Related work and certification experience can be used to demonstrate such competency. In addition, we offer an introductory course pathway for interested students lacking this STEM background.
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.
Courses
The 33-credit online master's degree program in cybersecurity analytics and operations can be completed in as little as two years on a part-time basis.
The core course of study includes:
- information technology
- cybersecurity
- network management and security
Collaborative Learning
The online courses are interactive and collaborative, allowing you to build strong ties with other students and gain perspectives from other disciplines and industries. Maximum flexibility is maintained by the program in an effort to meet both the professional needs of individual students and academic quality standards.
Up to 9 graduate credits may be transferred into the program from an accredited institution (as permitted by the Graduate School). At least 18 credits must be in courses at the 500 or 800 level.
Please note that as per the Graduate School transfer credit policy, credits that have been applied toward the degree requirements for a previous degree, whether at Penn State or elsewhere, may not be applied to degree requirements for a graduate degree at Penn State.
Required Courses (18 credits)
Electives (select 12 credits)
Culminating Experience (3 required credits)
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Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,017 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,203 per semester |
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,027 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,325 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all materials, must be received by the deadlines below to be considered complete. You may apply several months in advance and indicate your planned semester start date in the application. We encourage you to apply early.
To help you manage the application process, our online application management system will provide you with complete details regarding the required elements of your application portfolio — and will even help you track your progress.
Admissions Help
Admission to the MPS in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations program is competitive. A faculty-led admissions committee considers all submitted materials and makes admissions decisions based on the strength of the candidate's credentials. Limited spaces are available. If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
The MPS program is multidisciplinary in nature; students from many different disciplines may be accepted for entry into the program. A bachelor's degree in a related area (e.g., engineering and science), while not necessary for admission, is helpful in the successful completion of the degree. It is expected that students will have a basic level of competency in statistics, as well as computer and information technology. Related work and certification experience can be used to demonstrate such competency. In addition, we offer a course sequence for interested students lacking a background in STEM. A student may be accepted into the program with "provisional status" for no more than one year while work is completed to meet these expectations.
The most qualified applicants will be accepted into the program until all spaces for new students are filled.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — GRE test scores are not required and will not be accepted as part of your application. Successful applicants are expected to have an overall GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher for their undergraduate study (and/or graduate-level studies). However, accomplishments demonstrated through work experience and recommendation letters from an applicant's academic adviser or employer will also play an important role in the admission decision. A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, related security certifications, or completion of the introductory course pathway is recommended.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (2) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two professional contacts. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each contact requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders that they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.
Program-specific questions — Please submit your responses with your application.
Original Statement of Written Expression — Please include a brief sample illustrating your writing skills, organization and clarity, critical thinking, and consistent use of citations and references. This may be extracted from a previous academic paper (e.g., class essay, dissertation, thesis, journal article, capstone project, or research paper) or work-related report (e.g., white papers, policy briefs, news articles, and grant applications). If part of a group report, only include the part for which you were responsible and/or include a note explaining the document’s context and authorship. As a suggested length, limit your sample to less than ten pages, double-spaced. At the top of each page, please indicate "WRITING SAMPLE," along with your name, numbering each page.
Statement of Interest — Please include a written personal statement in your application to share information that you deem important to your candidacy. Be sure to include why you are a qualified applicant and how this degree will assist you in meeting your future career goals. You may wish to describe aspects of your background and interests — intellectual, personal, and/or professional — and how you will uniquely contribute to the IST community and/or the related professions. As a suggested length, limit your statement to one or two pages, double-spaced. At the top of each page, please indicate "STATEMENT OF INTEREST," along with your name, numbering each page.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.
Contact Us
For questions related to the Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology, please contact:
Chrissie Fitzgerald
Graduate Programs Manager
College of Information Sciences and Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
E108 Westgate Building
University Park, PA 16802
[email protected]
For general questions about Penn State World Campus, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Faculty
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Jennifer Breese
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DegreePh.D., Information Systems and Communication, Robert Morris University
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DegreeM.A., Liberal Studies Concentration in Leadership, Duquesne University
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DegreeB.A., Political Science/Pre-Law Track, California University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Jennifer Breese is an assistant professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Allegheny. She is an industry professional with more than 20 years of experience, including nine years at FedEx in both Pittsburgh and Boston. She has also spent thirteen years in the collegiate education environment as both an adjunct and full-time professor. She has teaching interests in cyber education, security risk analysis, and information systems technology.
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Guoray Cai
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DegreePh.D., Information Science, University of Pittsburgh
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DegreeM.A., Geography, West Virginia University
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DegreeM.A., Geography, West Virginia University
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DegreeB.E., Electrical Engineering, Tianjin University, China
Dr. Guoray Cai is an associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State, with affiliate appointments in geography as well as in computer science and engineering. He is the founding director of the College of IST's Spatial Information and Intelligence Laboratory. His research includes geographical information systems, geo-collaboration, human-computer interaction, information retrieval, and spoken-dialogue systems.
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Wei-Fan Chen
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DegreePh.D., Instructional Systems, Penn State
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DegreeM.Ed., Instructional Systems, Penn State
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DegreeB.S., Computer Science and Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan
Dr. Wei-Fan Chen is an associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. His research and teaching interests include cognitive and information sciences and technology as related to learning.
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Robert J. Cole
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DegreePh.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
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DegreeB.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Delaware
Dr. Robert J. Cole has been an adjunct instructor for the College of IST since 2013. He is also a systems engineer and data scientist for Raytheon Intelligence and Information Services.
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Edward J. Glantz
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DegreePh.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
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DegreeMBA, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
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DegreeB.S., Mechanical Engineering, Penn State
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DegreeB.A., General Arts and Science, Penn State
Dr. Edward J. Glantz, P.E., has been with the College of IST faculty since 2009. Prior to joining IST, Dr. Glantz served 10 years as a faculty member of Penn State's Smeal College of Business. His career spans more than 20 years of managing technology, research, and marketing in the manufacturing and telecommunication industries, including startup work.
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Taegyu Kim
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DegreePh.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University
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DegreeM.S., Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
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DegreeB.S., Electronics and Communications Engineering, Kwangwoon University
Taegyu Kim has been an assistant professor in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology since 2022. His research interests include robotic vehicle security, software security, and systems security. Taegyu has published fourteen peer-reviewed papers, including eight at top venues such as USENIX Security, IEEE S&P, NDSS, MobiSys, and ICRA.
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Johnson Kinyua
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DegreePh.D., Computer Science, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
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DegreeM.S., Digital Communications, University of Kent at Canterbury, United Kingdom
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DegreeB.S., Electronics Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom
Dr. Johnson Kinyua has been an associate teaching professor with the College of IST since 2018. His career spans more than 35 years of teaching, research, and industry experience. He served as a director of a school for six years and as a dean for five years at different universities. His teaching interests are in cybersecurity, enterprise information systems, networks, computer architecture, operating systems, software engineering, database management systems, object-oriented programming, distributed database systems, and enterprise integration.
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Abdullah Konak
DegreePh.D., Industrial Engineering, University of PittsburghDr. Abdullah Konak is a professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Berks and teaches courses on database management systems, information security, and technology-based entrepreneurship.
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Anna Levy
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DegreePh.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
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DegreeM.S., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
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DegreeMLS, Library and Information Sciences, Pratt Institute School of Information
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DegreeB.A., Library Science and Bibliography, Moscow State University of Culture and Arts
Dr. Anna Levy has been an instructor for the College of IST and World Campus since 2014. Prior to joining IST, Dr. Levy served 8 years as an adjunct faculty member of Queen College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (CUNY). Her career spans more than 30 years of conducting library and academic research, including work as a reference librarian and a bibliographer. Dr. Levy’s primary research interests include e-government research at the municipal level, public administration, and town-gown relations, particularly focusing on the analysis of the impacts of social media and mobile technology on local governance in the information age.
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Mahdi Nasereddin
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DegreePh.D., Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida
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DegreeM.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida
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DegreeB.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida
Dr. Mahdi Nasereddin is an associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Berks. His current research interest is in the application of artificial intelligence, simulation metamodeling, simulation optimization, and experimental design.
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Syed Rizvi
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DegreePh.D., Computer Science and Engineering, University of Bridgeport
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DegreeM.S., Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University
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DegreeB.S., Computer Engineering, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology
Dr. Syed Rizvi is an associate professor in information sciences and technology at the Penn State Altoona campus. His research interests lie at the intersection of computer networking, network security, and machine learning. Dr. Rizvi teaches cybersecurity, risk analysis, and IST courses such as fundamentals of information security, networking and telecommunications, secure software engineering, security risk assessment, network security, incident response handling, and capstone projects. He is a member of the IEEE Communications Society and ACM.
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Steve Tomasko
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DegreeM.S., IT, Capella University
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DegreeB.S., Professional Studies, Mount Aloysius College
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DegreeA.A.S., Electronics Technology, Penn Highlands Community College
Steve Tomasko has spent more than 29 years working in networking, communications, program management, and cybersecurity. He has dozens of professional certifications in these fields. His experience includes many years of cybersecurity research in support of the DoD and IC. His current professional work and research focus on cybersecurity for 5G and satellite systems.
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Mimi Zhang
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DegreePh.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
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DegreeM.Sc., Information and Knowledge Management, Loughborough University, UK
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DegreeB.Mgt., Information Management and Information Systems, Hefei University of Technology, China
Dr. Mimi Zhang is an adjunct faculty for the College of IST. Her primary areas of research and teaching interests are data science, web analytics, and technology industry.
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