Cybersecurity FAQs
This FAQ page addresses the most frequently asked questions about our program, including admission requirements, technical prerequisites, curriculum focus, and industry certifications. Learn how our program prepares you for high-demand roles in information security, network defense, and cyber risk management. Whether you’re transitioning into cybersecurity or advancing your current IT career, find the answers you need here.
Admissions Requirements
Yes, you can transfer up to 15 eligible credits from a regionally accredited institution to this degree program. Our Transfer Specialists will guide you through the process. Learn more about admissions requirements.
Once you know you’d like to pursue an online education with Concordia University, St. Paul, you should request more information and complete your online application as soon as possible. That way, you can gain access to our network of support and get on track to beginning your program during one of the six start dates we offer each year. Learn more about admissions requirements.
Admission to the program requires a 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution along with a completed online application. You’ll need to submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. While a technical degree provides strong preparation, the program accepts students from diverse backgrounds. There is no GRE/GMAT scores required. Learn more on the admissions page.
Curriculum
The 30-credit program includes 10 specialized courses covering comprehensive cybersecurity topics. Core coursework includes Enterprise Architecture, Project Management and Systems Development, Database Systems, Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing with Ethical Considerations, and Cloud Architecture and Infrastructure. Security-focused courses cover Security Operations and Risk Management, Asset Security and Security Assessment, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, and Identity and Access Management. Learn more about the coursework on the curriculum page.
General
The M.S. in Cybersecurity program is offered fully online, which allows you to study at the times and in the locations that are best for you without a requirement to come to campus. You can access the coursework online anytime and complete your assignments when it works for you — as long as you meet the course deadlines. Explore the program curriculum.
Career Outlook
With your M.S. in Cybersecurity from CSP Global, you can pursue a role as a data scientist, information security analyst, software developer, systems analyst, and more. Explore more careers.
Time and Duration
The 30-credit hour online cybersecurity master’s program can be completed in approximately 18 months (1.5 years) for students taking a standard course load. The program is offered part-time to accommodate working professionals. Actual completion time varies based on your course load and eligible transfer credits—you can transfer up to 15 credits, which may reduce your time to completion. Explore the program curriculum.
The online program is designed for maximum flexibility and may be taken full-time if you feel you have the time to do so successfully. Explore the program curriculum.
Tuition and Fees
While this specific program does not offer scholarships, online students are eligible for Concordia St. Paul Scholarship, which can provide up to $2,000 in scholarships. Review the program tuition.
The online program costs $525 per credit hour with a total of 30 required credit hours, making the estimated total tuition $15,750. Transfer credits can reduce your total tuition by nearly 50%. Additional expenses include textbooks, course supplies, and potential loan fees. Financial aid options include federal student aid, private loans, scholarships, military benefits through the GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon program, and employer tuition assistance. Transfer students may qualify for the Concordia St. Paul Scholarship providing up to $2,000. Active-duty military service members and their spouses receive tuition discounts. Learn more on the tuition and financial aid page.
Admissions Requirements
Your first step is to complete the online application. After that, you will prepare your college transcripts. See the How to Apply page for more information.
No work experience is required for the online M.S. in Cybersecurity program. Learn more about admissions requirements.
A computer science background is beneficial but not mandatory. CSP accepts students from various backgrounds including information technology, information systems, engineering, and non-related fields. If you’re unsure about your readiness, contact admissions advisors who can assess your background and recommend any preparatory steps.
Career Outlook
This program is specifically designed to prepare graduates for the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification, which is the predominant cybersecurity credential. The comprehensive curriculum covering security operations, risk management, asset security, security architecture, network security, and identity management aligns with major certification requirements. While the program provides strong foundational knowledge for various certifications including CISSP and CEH, students must register separately for certification exams. Some certifications like CISSP require additional professional experience beyond the degree. Faculty can provide guidance on certification pathways that align with your career goals.
Programming requirements vary by role. Some cybersecurity positions benefit from scripting skills (Python, PowerShell) while others require minimal coding. This program curriculum includes relevant technical coursework preparing you for various cybersecurity positions. Security analysts, security architects, and security consultants typically need less programming than application security specialists or security tool developers.
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