Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Earn a graduate degree in cyber security
Detect threats. Protect data. Get a high-paying job.
SFA’s new cyber security program provides students with the knowledge and the skills necessary for students to respond to online threats to computer systems. As a cyber security student, you’ll learn how vulnerabilities occur in a computer system – and how to protect these systems from exploitation.
In-demand, high-paying careers
Cyber security is more than just a tech problem in today’s world. Data security is a critical part of every industry, from retail to healthcare to government entities to military organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for information security analysis is expected to grow by 18 percent by 2024 (that’s much faster than average). And if you’re looking for a career that pays well, cyber security is a great choice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for cyber security professionals is $92,600.
Get your (virtual) hands dirty
As a cyber security graduate student, you’ll do more than listen to lectures. Our program provides students with plenty of opportunities for hands-on experimentation and research. You’ll work closely with faculty members whose research interests include secure coding and implementation, cyberattack defense, cryptography, malware detection/prevention and cyber data analysis. And you’ll conduct cyber security research of your own as part of your graduate coursework.
SFA’s computer science research laboratories are equipped with systems and software needed for cyberattack analysis and simulation. Our labs allow you to run simulated attacks, find security flaws and, most importantly, learn how to prevent future cyberattacks.
Graduate programs and requirements
Master of Science in Cyber Security
The Master of Science in cyber security prepares students to identify and respond to threats to computer systems, learning how the vulnerabilities occur and how to prevent them. Students work closely with faculty while conducting research and experiments in SFA’s state-of-the-art research laboratories.
Students with a computer science background
All students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science will have the necessary background to begin study in the master’s program.
Students with a non-computer science background
Entrance into the cyber security program is open to all students holding a bachelor’s degree without regard to major. It is not necessary to have any previous computer science coursework to be admitted, but students must have some basic computer science knowledge and will be required to take leveling courses.
All Master of Science in cyber security students
All cyber security students are required to complete 30 hours of graduate level courses, which include 15 hours from required courses and the remaining hours from general cyber security graduate courses and thesis research. A complete list of courses and instructions on how to apply are available on the Graduate Bulletin.
*See Graduate Bulletin for additional details, guidelines and requirements.