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Nationally Recognized
Gain Security Management Skills to Defend Confidential and Sensitive Data
Recognize, understand, identify, and assess potential threats, security risks, vulnerabilities, and consequences in context from local to global environments.
Integrate the use of disciplinary methods, techniques, and knowledge to solve practical, real-world problems.
Present scientific evidence and best practices to inform practical, real-world decisions.
Search, evaluate, and synthesize literature to integrate cybersecurity principles into disciplines and professional fields.
Make use of ethical standards and principles of integrity as a foundation in decision-making.
Customize Your Cybersecurity Master’s Program
Customize Your Cybersecurity Master’s Program
The courses in this 33-credit online master's program are interactive and collaborative, allowing you to build strong ties with other students and gain perspectives from other disciplines and industries.
The core course of study includes:
- information technology
- cybersecurity
- network management and security
You can also customize your education with electives that match your interests and professional goals.
Up to 9 graduate credits may be transferred into the program from an accredited institution (as permitted by the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School). At least 18 credits must be in courses at the 500 or 800 level.
Please note that as per the Fox 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)
- 3credits
This course teaches the principles and practice of software security. The course gives an overview of the foundations of computation models and languages.
- 3credits
Essential skills and knowledge for effectively utilizing networks and internet technologies to facilitate, manage, and secure data communications and applications.
- 3credits
This course provides theoretical and applied foundations of information security and assurance.
- 3credits
This course provides theoretical and applied foundations of fundamentals of network security, data sources, data collection techniques and tools, cybersecurity analytics infrastructure, machine learning and data mining, network forensics, anomaly and malware detection, security data visualization, and security dashboard design and implementation.
- 3credits
This course provides an overview of techniques to assess and ensure the security of web applications and services that drive modern e-commerce transactions.
- 3credits
This course provides students with the principles of project management and knowledge of the project management skills and processes needed to select, initiate, and plan a project.
Electives (select 12 credits)
- 3credits
Theoretical foundations and practice of enterprise architecture.
- 3credits
Theoretical foundations and practice of enterprise modeling.
- Prerequisite
EA 871
- 3credits
This course is intended to provide an exposure to the foundational concepts associated with each of the three primary layers of the enterprise information technology architecture stack: the enterprise applications architecture, the enterprise data architecture, and the enterprise technology infrastructure architecture.
- Prerequisite
EA 871
- 3credits
Analytical skills to produce credible, meaningful answers to critical risk management questions across enterprise architecture layers, including the supply chain.
- Prerequisite
EA 871
- 3credits
Introductory course on integration of information technology into different venues, including the planning, development, and implementation of the integration.
- 3credits
Advanced course on the integration of information technology into systems applications.
- 3credits
Introduction to emerging issues, technology forecasting and analysis; overview of emerging issues and leading technologies in IST and how they impact information systems, users, the IT labor force and society.
- 3credits
Legal environment of information technology, constitutional/political issues, intellectual property, management, e-commerce, privacy, access, computer contracting, cyberspace regulation.
- 3credits
Distributed decision-making theories and agent-based technologies, models, and systems with applications in command and control, emergency, and resource management.
- 3credits
This course examines the fundamental elements of crisis, disaster, risk, and emergency management.
- 3credits
This graduate course improves understanding in an organizational setting of the principles and practices of cyber forensics as well as the management of information security.
- 3credits
This course focuses both on monitoring systems and networks for real-time threats and on "ethical" hacking tools and techniques.
- Prerequisite
IST 544 and IST 815
- 3credits
This course covers the fundamental principles, methods, and tools of visual analytics that enable data and security analysts to synthesize information and derive insight from data. Visual analytics represents a human-centered approach in designing interactive data visualizations and dashboards that enables full cycles of data analysis, from making sense of data, assessing situations, detecting unexpected patterns, as well as communicating findings and informing actions.
- Prerequisite
IST 816 or IST 554
Culminating Experience (3 required credits)
- 3credits
Students are trained to identify a specific problem within a general topic area, frame a research question, conduct a literature review, and develop a research plan to collect and analyze data. Then students continue by implementing the research plan, actually collecting and analyzing a small amount of data, and presenting results in a formal research paper.
- or:3credits
This course is a laboratory-based course that requires students to apply skills and knowledge from previous course work to "real-world" cybersecurity scenarios and problems. Students are expected to utilize the knowledge and skills gained in previous course work to solve each cybersecurity scenario/problem in a given week of the class.
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.
Start or Advance Your Career in the Cybersecurity Field
Start or Advance Your Career in the Cybersecurity Field
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.
From all levels of government agencies to businesses of any size, advanced professionals in cybersecurity protection are needed to protect digital information from attack through cyber-defense strategies, including incident response, strategic planning, and crisis management.
Job Titles Related to This Degree
The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:
- Cybersecurity Project Manager
- Information Systems Director (IS Director)
- Information Systems Security Analyst
- Intelligence Analyst
- Network and Security Engineer
Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree
Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Information Security Analysts
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
An In-Demand Field
As the information we exchange for government administration, commerce, education, and everyday communication goes digital, 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.
Ready to Learn More?
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.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?
Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
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.
2024–25 Academic Year Rates
| 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 |
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,037 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,448 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. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.
Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Additional Cost of Attendance Details
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:
- visit the Tuition Information site
- click the plus sign to expand the table
- select a semester from the World Campus row
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this program.
Earn an Additional Credential
Earn an Additional Credential
You don't have to wait until graduation to update your résumé. The degree curriculum is uniquely structured to give working professionals like you the opportunity to earn one or more graduate certificates while in pursuit of the master's degree.
Certificate Program Related to This Degree
The following certificate can be earned while completing this degree program:
Build your understanding of information systems security, risk management, digital forensics, knowledge management, cybersecurity, crisis and disaster management, and web security and privacy in this online graduate certificate.
Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Information Systems CybersecurityWho Should Apply?
Who Should Apply?
This program is multidisciplinary in nature and well-suited for students from many different disciplines. 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 you 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.
Nationally Recognized Program
Nationally Recognized Program
Penn State is recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense.
Cybersecurity graduates can earn a Letter of Recognition and Certificate of Achievement from these agencies, which certify that the student graduated from an institution and program whose security-related faculty, resources, curricula, and commitment were evaluated and found to be of high quality.
Set Your Own Pace
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser.
To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years
- Take 3–4 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years
- Take 2–3 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years
- Take 1 course each semester
Timelines may vary based on course availability.
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
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, and application instructions.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by November 1 to start January 12
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Spring Deadline
Apply by November 1 to start January 12Fall Deadline
Apply by July 1, 2026, to start August 24, 2026
Steps to Apply
For admission to the Fox 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.
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. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.
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 Fox 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.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
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.
- 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.5. Complete the application.
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 an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
For questions related to the Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, please contact:
Lynne Bechdel
Academic Program Coordinator
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]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
This online program is offered by the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) in partnership with Penn State World Campus.
Penn State’s College of IST is a leading information technology school with courses taught by a diverse group of experienced practitioners and researchers from fields including computer science, engineering, psychology, chemistry, and artificial intelligence.
Faculty
Jennifer Breese
- DegreePh.D., Information Systems and Communication, Robert Morris University
- DegreeM.A., Liberal Studies Concentration in Leadership, Duquesne University
- 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.
Guoray Cai
- DegreePh.D., Information Science, University of Pittsburgh
- DegreeM.A., Geography, West Virginia University
- DegreeM.A., Geography, West Virginia University
- 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.
Wei-Fan Chen
- DegreePh.D., Instructional Systems, Penn State
- DegreeM.Ed., Instructional Systems, Penn State
- 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.
Robert J. Cole
- DegreePh.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
- 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.
Edward J. Glantz
- DegreePh.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
- DegreeMBA, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
- DegreeB.S., Mechanical Engineering, Penn State
- 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.
Taegyu Kim
- DegreePh.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University
- DegreeM.S., Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
- 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.
Johnson Kinyua
- DegreePh.D., Computer Science, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- DegreeM.S., Digital Communications, University of Kent at Canterbury, United Kingdom
- 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.
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.
Anna Levy
- DegreePh.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
- DegreeM.S., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
- DegreeMLS, Library and Information Sciences, Pratt Institute School of Information
- 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.
Mahdi Nasereddin
- DegreePh.D., Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida
- DegreeM.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida
- 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.
Syed Rizvi
- DegreePh.D., Computer Science and Engineering, University of Bridgeport
- DegreeM.S., Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University
- 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.
Steve Tomasko
- DegreeM.S., IT, Capella University
- DegreeB.S., Professional Studies, Mount Aloysius College
- 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.
Mimi Zhang
- DegreePh.D., Information Sciences and Technology, Penn State
- DegreeM.Sc., Information and Knowledge Management, Loughborough University, UK
- 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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