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Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) Degree with a Concentration in Cybersecurity
Online Master's Degree in Cybersecurity
Our Master of Science in Information Technology degree with a concentration in Cybersecurity is designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career path in the cybersecurity field. This online cybersecurity master’s degree emphasizes problem-based, hands-on learning, helping you to understand the daily challenges of cybersecurity problems.
As you work towards your online master’s in cybersecurity, you’ll be able to use industry software tools during your education. In our fast-paced program, you can access 24/7 tutoring with no additional book or technology fees. Courses in our cybersecurity master’s degree program cover a range of topics in this field and include a capstone course that brings all these skills together.
Next start date
Program Credits
45
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Online,
Atlanta,
Houston,
Classes start on Jul 30, 2025
Program Details
Why Earn a Cybersecurity Master’s Degree?
With the world more connected than ever, data is more important than ever before. This is evidenced by the fact that the cybersecurity market is projected to grow substantially over the next decade.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics…
-
33%
it is projected that employment of information security analysts will grow by more than one-third from 2023 - 2033.*
It is expected that demand for cybersecurity professionals will remain high over the foreseeable future, as cyberattacks grow in frequency and organizations of all types and sizes have to create innovative solutions to keep their networks and information safe. The increase in organizations using cloud-based services and medical institutions turning to electronic medical records is also creating a greater demand for those capable of preventing cyber threats.*
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited February 4, 2025). This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
MSIT in Cybersecurity Program Details
If you are interested in a leadership role in the fields of cybersecurity, risk analysis, disaster recovery, digital security, and cybersecurity program creation, you should consider pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity. In as little as one year, our online master’s in cybersecurity can help candidates work to develop industry-relevant knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career path in this field.
The specialized curriculum in our online master’s degree in cybersecurity is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to protect an organization’s digital assets. Some of the topics you can explore include cyber-risk management, cyber-risk assessments, cyber-risk management strategies, policies, procedures, business continuity, disaster recovery, human risk factors, insider threats, security programs, organizational security culture, ethical decision-making, and cybersecurity laws.
Online MSIT in Cybersecurity Courses
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
Program Core
|
System Analysis and Design
ITCO502
This course focuses on advanced concepts in systems analysis, modeling, system design, testing, and implementation. Models covered in this course can include dynamic, static, and structural. Students have the opportunity to learn and use Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools.
This course focuses on advanced concepts in systems analysis, modeling, system design, testing, and implementation. Models covered in this course can include dynamic, static, and structural. Students have the opportunity to learn and use Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools.
|
ITCO502 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Advanced Technical Communication
ITCO512
This course is designed to provide students with skills to create and present oral, written, and visual technical communication in a variety of forms and in different professional settings. Emphasis is placed on the importance of stakeholders, situational requirements, and various forms of communication to include executive briefs, design specifications, project plans, user manuals, and position papers, and formal recommendations.
This course is designed to provide students with skills to create and present oral, written, and visual technical communication in a variety of forms and in different professional settings. Emphasis is placed on the importance of stakeholders, situational requirements, and various forms of communication to include executive briefs, design specifications, project plans, user manuals, and position papers, and formal recommendations.
|
ITCO512 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Software Development Management
ITCO522
This course is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge to oversee or lead software development. Topics can include the principles of object-oriented software development, software quality assurance, agile methodology, and scrum.
This course is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge to oversee or lead software development. Topics can include the principles of object-oriented software development, software quality assurance, agile methodology, and scrum.
|
ITCO522 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Global Technology Management
ITCO532
This course is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge to oversee or lead software development. Topics can include the principles of object-oriented software development, software quality assurance, agile methodology, and scrum.
This course is designed to provide students with the requisite knowledge to oversee or lead software development. Topics can include the principles of object-oriented software development, software quality assurance, agile methodology, and scrum.
|
ITCO532 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Enterprise Architecture
ITCO542
This course focuses on enterprise systems architecture and related tools and frameworks. Students will have the opportunity to analyze enterprise requirements and recommend specific architecture based on requirements. Infrastructure components of data, software, hardware, networks, and architecture are covered along with a focus on data storage, hyperscale computing, and risk management.
This course focuses on enterprise systems architecture and related tools and frameworks. Students will have the opportunity to analyze enterprise requirements and recommend specific architecture based on requirements. Infrastructure components of data, software, hardware, networks, and architecture are covered along with a focus on data storage, hyperscale computing, and risk management.
|
ITCO542 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Innovations and Emerging Media
ITCO552
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn about current information technology innovations and emerging media. Contemporary topics may include artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchains, cryptocurrencies, IoT, autonomous vehicles, and digital media. Specific focus is placed on the resultant ethical, social, legal, and cultural issues such as net neutrality, broadband regulation, privacy, and intellectual property rights.
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn about current information technology innovations and emerging media. Contemporary topics may include artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchains, cryptocurrencies, IoT, autonomous vehicles, and digital media. Specific focus is placed on the resultant ethical, social, legal, and cultural issues such as net neutrality, broadband regulation, privacy, and intellectual property rights.
|
ITCO552 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Capstone
ITCO592
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery and critical knowledge from the MSIT degree program. Concepts, content, and knowledge from the MSIT program and selected concentration area are designed to help students perform a comprehensive analysis and study in a selected area of interest. Students are required to conduct research in their concentration area and prepare a formal technical report detailing their research and application of prior course concepts.
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery and critical knowledge from the MSIT degree program. Concepts, content, and knowledge from the MSIT program and selected concentration area are designed to help students perform a comprehensive analysis and study in a selected area of interest. Students are required to conduct research in their concentration area and prepare a formal technical report detailing their research and application of prior course concepts.
|
ITCO592 | 4.5 | ||||
| 31.5 Total Credit Hours | 31.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Cybersecurity
|
Risk Analysis and Planning
CYB500
This course focuses on cybersecurity risk analysis and planning, which includes disaster recovery, business continuity, detection, incident response, mitigation strategies, and policies. The course also covers ethical and legal issues, vulnerability testing, capability planning, and external partnerships.
This course focuses on cybersecurity risk analysis and planning, which includes disaster recovery, business continuity, detection, incident response, mitigation strategies, and policies. The course also covers ethical and legal issues, vulnerability testing, capability planning, and external partnerships.
|
CYB500 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Human Factors in Cybersecurity
CYB510
This course focuses on the human components of cyber security to include training, education, monitoring, and procedures. The course explores how to mitigate risk from human factors. Students will have the opportunity to develop policies and training that address security awareness, professional integrity, and ethics.
This course focuses on the human components of cyber security to include training, education, monitoring, and procedures. The course explores how to mitigate risk from human factors. Students will have the opportunity to develop policies and training that address security awareness, professional integrity, and ethics.
|
CYB510 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Cybersecurity Laws and Ethics
CYB520
This course explores cybersecurity laws to include their significance and enforcement. The course also covers cybersecurity ethics from personal, team, organization, and national views. Students will have the opportunity to research selected cybersecurity laws and evaluate governmental controls and jurisdiction.
This course explores cybersecurity laws to include their significance and enforcement. The course also covers cybersecurity ethics from personal, team, organization, and national views. Students will have the opportunity to research selected cybersecurity laws and evaluate governmental controls and jurisdiction.
|
CYB520 | 4.5 | ||||
| 13.5 Total Credit Hours | 13.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Program Learning Outcomes
- Scientific Methods
Design IT architecture to solve organizational requirements. - Application
Design plans for IT projects, programs, and operations. - Communication
Communicate technical information in various professional settings. - Big Picture
Evaluate emerging technologies in support of organizational goals. - Management
Demonstrate the ability to manage processes specific to an IT domain.
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation. As such, AIU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.
Online MSIT in Cybersecurity Overview
The cybersecurity classes you might take in our MSIT program will give you an opportunity to learn how to design, analyze, test, and implement systems. In this industry-focused curriculum, you can also explore software development management, global technology management, enterprise architecture, and technological innovations. You will have the chance to learn and apply advanced technical communications throughout the program. Our cybersecurity courses focus on technical topics as well as the legal and ethical issues.
In our MSIT program, your cybersecurity classes may include:
-
Risk Analysis and Planning
This course focuses on cybersecurity risk analysis and planning, which includes disaster recovery, business continuity, detection, incident response, mitigation strategies, and policies. The course also covers ethical and legal issues, vulnerability testing, capability planning, and external partnerships.
Human Factors in Cybersecurity
This course focuses on the human components of cyber security to include training, education, monitoring, and procedures. The course explores how to mitigate risk from human factors. Students will have the opportunity to develop policies and training that address security awareness, professional integrity, and ethics.
Cybersecurity Laws and Ethics
This course explores cybersecurity laws to include their significance and enforcement. The course also covers cybersecurity ethics from personal, team, organization, and national views. Students will have the opportunity to research selected cybersecurity laws and evaluate governmental controls and jurisdiction.
System Analysis and Design
This course focuses on advanced concepts in systems analysis, modeling, system design, testing, and implementation. Models covered in this course can include dynamic, static, and structural. Students have the opportunity to learn and use Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools.
Global Technology Management
This course focuses on the global nature of technology and the management of technology in the international business environment. Key concepts can include risk management, legal issues, ethical issues, cooperation, and competition.
Innovations and Emerging Media
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn about current information technology innovations and emerging media. Contemporary topics may include artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchains, cryptocurrencies, IoT, autonomous vehicles, and digital media. Specific focus is placed on the resultant ethical, social, legal, and cultural issues such as net neutrality, broadband regulation, privacy, and intellectual property rights.
Course content subject to change.
Why AIU
Faculty
Locations
Ways To Save
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Accreditation
FAQ
An online Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity is a graduate-level program designed to help develop advanced knowledge in protecting digital assets and critical infrastructure, all through a fully online format. Coursework typically explores topics such as network defense, ethical hacking, threat intelligence, incident response, cloud and mobile security, as well as cybersecurity governance and policy. Pursuing an online master’s in cybersecurity offers the opportunity to deepen technical and strategic skills needed to pursue roles in the field, while providing the flexibility to study from anywhere. In addition to the online option, AIU also offers this cybersecurity master’s degree program on campus at its Houston and Atlanta locations.
Yes, you can earn a Master of Science in Information Technology with a Concentration in Cybersecurity entirely online. AIU is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our online cybersecurity master's degree program is designed to offer flexibility, enabling students to balance advanced coursework with personal and professional commitments. In addition to the fully online option, AIU also offers this graduate degree program on campus at its Houston and Atlanta locations.
Some potential career paths for a MSIT may be*:
Computer Programmer - Writes, tests, and debugs code for security tools and automated scripts—embedding encryption, authentication, and vulnerability-scanning routines to help safeguard applications and infrastructure.
Computer Systems Analyst - Reviews an organization's existing hardware, software, and workflows, then designs secure system upgrades—integrating intrusion-detection tools, access controls, and compliance standards—to ensure IT infrastructure supports cybersecurity objectives.
Information Security Analyst - Monitors networks and systems for breaches, investigates incidents, and implements safeguards—such as intrusion-detection tools, encryption, and access controls—to protect an organization's sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
Computer and Information Systems Manager - Leads an organization's IT and cybersecurity strategy—managing staff, budgets, and infrastructure while implementing security protocols, incident-response plans, and compliance policies to keep systems resilient against evolving threats.
Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, and Tester - Designs, codes, and maintains software with built-in security features—integrating encryption, authentication, and secure APIs to create applications and services that withstand cyber threats.
Explore related computer and information technology-related job positions and descriptions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
*AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. The list of career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.
To start on your path to pursuing a MSIT in Cybersecurity at AIU, follow these steps:
1. Explore AIU's accredited program to see how advanced courses—covering topics such as cloud architecture, cybersecurity, data administration, and IT project leadership—connect to your professional goals.
2. Review the admission requirements, which typically include a high school diploma or equivalent—AIU does not require SAT or ACT scores for enrollment.
3. Evaluate tuition and financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, or payment plans that may help make your education more accessible.*
4. Submit your application before the next term begins—once accepted, familiarize yourself with AIU's online learning platform to prepare for your courses and begin working toward your master's in cybersecurity.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
AIU's online Master of Science in Information Technology with a Concentration in Cybersecurity is structured as a 12-month program, but your actual completion time can be shorter or longer depending on factors such as transfer credits, the number of courses you take each term, and any breaks you choose to schedule.
Meta Description: Earn your MSIT in Cybersecurity at AIU—flexible, accredited, and designed for you. Apply today.
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Classes start July 30, 2025
