Masters in Cyber Security Degree | Online Cybersecurity MS

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Master's in Cybersecurity Courses & Curriculum

36 Semester Hours

Major Area Required

CYSC 610 - Information Assurance (4)

This course covers the fundamentals of security in the enterprise environment. Included are coverage of risks and vulnerabilities, threat modeling, policy formation, controls and protection methods, encryption and authentication technologies, network security, cryptography, personnel and physical security issues, as well as ethical and legal issues. This foundational course serves as an introduction to many of the subsequent topics discussed in depth in later security courses. Note, this course has proctored exam(s). This exam requires additional technology, if student uses online proctoring.

CYSC 620 - Software and App Security (4)

Today, software is at the heart of the business processes of nearly every business from finance to manufacturing. Software pervades everyday life in expected places like phones and computers but also in places that you may not consider such as toasters, thermostats, automobiles, and even light bulbs. Security flaws in software can have impacts ranging from inconvenient to damaging and even catastrophic when it involves life-critical systems. How can software be designed and built to minimize the presence of flaws or mitigate their impacts? This course focuses on software development processes that identify, model, and mitigate threats to all kinds of software. Topics include threat modeling frameworks, attack trees, attack libraries, defensive tactics, secure software development lifecycle, web, cloud, and human factors.

CYSC 630 - Information Risk Management (4)

When audits, technology, or compliance become the driver for security initiatives the resulting program is strategically fragmented, reactive, and rigid. Moreover, there are few, if any, assurances that the biggest threats are being addressed. On the other hand, risk assessment places values on assets, evaluates the current controls, and provides data to improve the protection in a controlled, proactive, and flexible manner. This course teaches an approach to security that combines operational security, risk assessment, test and review and mitigation such that value can be demonstrated. A project-based approach to risk assessment is followed including, project definition and preparation, data gathering, technical information, physical data gathering, analysis, mitigation, recommendations, and reporting. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

CYSC 640 - Cryptography (4)

The cryptographic primitives of enciphering/deciphering and hashing are the two main methods of preserving confidentiality and integrity of data at rest and in transit. As such, the study of cryptographic techniques is of primary interest to security practitioners. This course will cover the important principles in historical and modern cryptography including the underlying information theory, mathematics, and randomness. Important technologies such as stream and block ciphers, symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, public key infrastructure, and key exchange will be explored. Finally, hashing and message authentication codes will be examined as a way of preserving data integrity.

CYSC 650 - Advanced Network Security (4)

Networks connecting disparate devices, services, and users have been among the most ubiquitous technologies that have led to the spectacular economic and technical success of the Internet. Today, networks seem to disappear, only to receive attention when they fail or are breached by attackers. While firewalls and virtual private networks are mainstays of network security, a strategy built on these alone is insufficient. This course covers a more comprehensive and systematic approach to network security including monitoring, incident response, forensics, virtualization and cloud, secure protocols, cryptography, and web services

CYSC 660 - Cybercrime, Ethics, and Privacy (4)

The prevalence of data breaches, identity theft, and the dark net today makes the study of digital cybercrime, ethics, and compliance highly relevant to information security. Laws related to intellectual property, privacy, and criminal and civil proceedings will be discussed. Ethical behavior and frameworks for navigating between customer and business concerns in the workplace are also emphasized.

CYSC 670 - Ethical Hacking (4)

When most people think of information security the images that come to mind are those of hackers: secretive people who, for political or profit motives, illegally break into computer systems to steal data or cause mayhem. While that kind of criminal element does exist, ethical hackers provide a needed service to organizations seeking to test and refine their security plans and technologies. This course takes an in-depth approach to ethical hacking including reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, and reporting. Students will employ current tools and methods in a hands-on approach that also prepares them for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

CYSC 680 - Information Security Policy & Governance (4)

As organizations have fallen victim to the proliferation of cyberattacks in recent years, many have responded reactively, thereby developing a posture that "wins the previous war." However, regulations and laws are now necessitating a more proactive stance. Organizations that can develop an effective security strategy stand to gain as they balance business with security. This course is about leading organizations in developing an effective information security program via policies, frameworks, architecture, standards, organizational hierarchies, controls and metrics with the end goal being a proactive security posture tailored to the specific business needs.

CYSC 690 - Security Research and Capstone (4)

This course, the final one in the program, challenges students to research a current topic of interest in information security and produce an original paper and presentation on the topic. Alternately, students may complete a capstone project in which they engage a real-world client for the purpose of security assessment, governance, audit, testing, risk analysis, or remediation. The course will also cover current and emerging issues in information security and privacy. Complete course in final term of program.

Corequisites

COMP 501 - Foundations of Programming (4)

This course covers fundamental programming principles. Students will learn about the basic elements of a computer program, such as data types, assignments, conditional branching, loops, functions, recursion, basic data structures, program debugging, and testing.

OR ITEC 136 - Principles of Programming (4)

This course introduces programming to individuals with little or no programming background. The goal of this course is to introduce the fundamentals of structured programming, problem solving, algorithm design, and software lifecycle. Topics will include testing, data types, operations, repetition and selection control structures, functions and procedures, arrays, and top down stepwise refinement. Students will design, code, test, debug, and document programs in a relevant programming language.

OR COMP 111 - Introduction to Computer Science & Object-Oriented Programming (4)

This course provides an introduction to software construction using an object-oriented approach. The student learns and reflects on problem analysis, object-oriented design, implementation, and testing. To support the concepts and principles of software construction, the student will design, code, test, debug, and document programs using the Java programming language. Basic data types, control structures, methods, and classes are used as the building blocks for reusable software components. Automated unit testing, programming style, and industrial practice are emphasized in addition to the object-oriented techniques of abstraction, encapsulation, and composition. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

AND

Complete one of the following:

ITEC 504 - Foundations of Networks and Systems (4)

This course will provide the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for the function, design, administration, and implementation of computer networks and basic administration of the Linux operating system. The first half of the course covers the fundamentals of computer networks, OSI networking model, TCP/IP protocol suite, fundamental protocols, wireless networks, virtualization, cloud computing, monitoring, and troubleshooting. The second half covers Linux operating system concepts, including installation, package, file, process, disk & user management, logging, and system security.

OR

Completion of (ITEC 200 or ITEC 400) and (COMP 204 or ITEC 350) will fulfill the ITEC 504 requirement.

AND

Graduate prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. Undergraduate prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

MS Cybersecurity Embedded Credentials

Embedded credentials provide a quick ROI on the time and tuition you’re investing in your master’s degree.

Bolster your credentials with embedded cybersecurity certificates

Your time and tuition dollars pay off sooner with graduate certificates in cyber defense and cyber governance that are embedded within the M.S. in Cybersecurity program.

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Defense

The four-course Graduate Certificate in Cyber Defense employs cloud-based labs to help you develop competencies in the skills necessary to analyze security and protect infrastructure and software.

Major Area Required

CYSC 610 - Information Assurance (4)

This course covers the fundamentals of security in the enterprise environment. Included are coverage of risks and vulnerabilities, threat modeling, policy formation, controls and protection methods, encryption and authentication technologies, network security, cryptography, personnel and physical security issues, as well as ethical and legal issues. This foundational course serves as an introduction to many of the subsequent topics discussed in depth in later security courses. Note, this course has proctored exam(s). This exam requires additional technology, if student uses online proctoring.

CYSC 620 - Software and App Security (4)

Today, software is at the heart of the business processes of nearly every business from finance to manufacturing. Software pervades everyday life in expected places like phones and computers but also in places that you may not consider such as toasters, thermostats, automobiles, and even light bulbs. Security flaws in software can have impacts ranging from inconvenient to damaging and even catastrophic when it involves life-critical systems. How can software be designed and built to minimize the presence of flaws or mitigate their impacts? This course focuses on software development processes that identify, model, and mitigate threats to all kinds of software. Topics include threat modeling frameworks, attack trees, attack libraries, defensive tactics, secure software development lifecycle, web, cloud, and human factors.

CYSC 650 - Advanced Network Security (4)

Networks connecting disparate devices, services, and users have been among the most ubiquitous technologies that have led to the spectacular economic and technical success of the Internet. Today, networks seem to disappear, only to receive attention when they fail or are breached by attackers. While firewalls and virtual private networks are mainstays of network security, a strategy built on these alone is insufficient. This course covers a more comprehensive and systematic approach to network security including monitoring, incident response, forensics, virtualization and cloud, secure protocols, cryptography, and web services

CYSC 670 - Ethical Hacking (4)

When most people think of information security the images that come to mind are those of hackers: secretive people who, for political or profit motives, illegally break into computer systems to steal data or cause mayhem. While that kind of criminal element does exist, ethical hackers provide a needed service to organizations seeking to test and refine their security plans and technologies. This course takes an in-depth approach to ethical hacking including reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, and reporting. Students will employ current tools and methods in a hands-on approach that also prepares them for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) exam. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

Corequisites

COMP 501 - Foundations of Programming (4)

This course covers fundamental programming principles. Students will learn about the basic elements of a computer program, such as data types, assignments, conditional branching, loops, functions, recursion, basic data structures, program debugging, and testing.

OR ITEC 136 - Principles of Programming (4)

This course introduces programming to individuals with little or no programming background. The goal of this course is to introduce the fundamentals of structured programming, problem solving, algorithm design, and software lifecycle. Topics will include testing, data types, operations, repetition and selection control structures, functions and procedures, arrays, and top down stepwise refinement. Students will design, code, test, debug, and document programs in a relevant programming language.

OR COMP 111 - Introduction to Computer Science & Object-Oriented Programming (4)

This course provides an introduction to software construction using an object-oriented approach. The student learns and reflects on problem analysis, object-oriented design, implementation, and testing. To support the concepts and principles of software construction, the student will design, code, test, debug, and document programs using the Java programming language. Basic data types, control structures, methods, and classes are used as the building blocks for reusable software components. Automated unit testing, programming style, and industrial practice are emphasized in addition to the object-oriented techniques of abstraction, encapsulation, and composition. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

AND

Complete one of the following:

ITEC 504 - Foundations of Networks and Systems (4)

This course will provide the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for the function, design, administration, and implementation of computer networks and basic administration of the Linux operating system. The first half of the course covers the fundamentals of computer networks, OSI networking model, TCP/IP protocol suite, fundamental protocols, wireless networks, virtualization, cloud computing, monitoring, and troubleshooting. The second half covers Linux operating system concepts, including installation, package, file, process, disk & user management, logging, and system security.

OR

Completion of (ITEC 200 or ITEC 400) and (COMP 204 or ITEC 350) will fulfill the ITEC 504 requirement.

AND

Graduate prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. Undergraduate prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Major Area Required

CYSC 600 - Intro to Cybersecurity Fundamentals (4)

Designed specifically for graduate students from diverse backgrounds, this course demystifies the complex world of cybersecurity, making it accessible and engaging for those without prior technical expertise. Focusing on critical thinking, the course explores security via people, processes, and technology and will introduce, define, and apply general cybersecurity information. Additional topics include legal compliance and governance, ethics and privacy, basic risk management, and personal and professional awareness and safety. Emphasis is on the critical sectors which allows for industry-specific application of concepts relevant to the students? programs of study.

OR CYSC 610 - Information Assurance (4)

This course covers the fundamentals of security in the enterprise environment. Included are coverage of risks and vulnerabilities, threat modeling, policy formation, controls and protection methods, encryption and authentication technologies, network security, cryptography, personnel and physical security issues, as well as ethical and legal issues. This foundational course serves as an introduction to many of the subsequent topics discussed in depth in later security courses. Note, this course has proctored exam(s). This exam requires additional technology, if student uses online proctoring.

AND

CYSC 630 - Information Risk Management (4)

When audits, technology, or compliance become the driver for security initiatives the resulting program is strategically fragmented, reactive, and rigid. Moreover, there are few, if any, assurances that the biggest threats are being addressed. On the other hand, risk assessment places values on assets, evaluates the current controls, and provides data to improve the protection in a controlled, proactive, and flexible manner. This course teaches an approach to security that combines operational security, risk assessment, test and review and mitigation such that value can be demonstrated. A project-based approach to risk assessment is followed including, project definition and preparation, data gathering, technical information, physical data gathering, analysis, mitigation, recommendations, and reporting. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

CYSC 660 - Cybercrime, Ethics, and Privacy (4)

The prevalence of data breaches, identity theft, and the dark net today makes the study of digital cybercrime, ethics, and compliance highly relevant to information security. Laws related to intellectual property, privacy, and criminal and civil proceedings will be discussed. Ethical behavior and frameworks for navigating between customer and business concerns in the workplace are also emphasized.

CYSC 680 - Information Security Policy & Governance (4)

As organizations have fallen victim to the proliferation of cyberattacks in recent years, many have responded reactively, thereby developing a posture that "wins the previous war." However, regulations and laws are now necessitating a more proactive stance. Organizations that can develop an effective security strategy stand to gain as they balance business with security. This course is about leading organizations in developing an effective information security program via policies, frameworks, architecture, standards, organizational hierarchies, controls and metrics with the end goal being a proactive security posture tailored to the specific business needs.

Microcredentials Align with Job Essentials

In today's dynamic work environments, adaptive professionals thrive. A microcredential - either as a stand-alone course or integrated into your degree program - is a short, skill-specific recognition that enables you to demonstrate your competency in a distinct area. Like Franklin's degree programs, microcredentials are aligned with market and industry demand to ensure what you learn can be put to use right away. Microcredentials are easily shared via digital badges and can be stacked to create a unique portfolio of in-demand skills.

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M.S. in Cybersecurity Program Details

Tuition Costs

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Program Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students' progress through their program of study. Click HERE to view the M.S. Cybersecurity matrix.

Degree Requirements

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
Complete the residency requirement:
1. M.S. in Cybersecurity students must earn at least 20 of the 36 required credits at Franklin University – in any modality.
Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees;
Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Transfer credit awarded based on experiential learning shall not count toward the residence requirement at Franklin University.

Admission Requirements

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with a GPA of at least a 2.50 on a 4.0 scale.*

Submission of an official transcript from the educational institution where the bachelor’s, master's, or doctoral degree was earned is required. A student will not be permitted to register for courses in their initial term of registration until unofficial domestic transcripts or official transcripts are received. Official transcripts must be received before registering for the second term.

Master's Conditional Admission - GPA

Domestic applicants seeking enrollment into a Franklin University Master’s Program who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may be considered for conditional admission into a program. An applicant must meet Franklin University’s other admission requirements to be eligible for conditional admission.
Applicants who earned a GPA between 2.250-2.499 on a 4.0 scale in their earned degree will automatically be granted conditional enrollment status. Applicants who earned lower than a 2.250 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned degree can petition for conditional enrollment status to the program chair by submitting a professional resume and an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a graduate program. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc.
Conditionally admitted students are required to achieve a final grade of “B” (3.0 GPA) or better in the first graduate-level course of their program, and are restricted to taking one graduate course at a time until this requirement is met. Students admitted to the programs listed below may take two 12-week classes concurrently, and would be required to earn a final grade of “B” in each course. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University. Programs that allow for concurrent enrollment include: Business Analytics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Health Informatics, Data Analytics, Information Technology, and Information Systems.

Master’s Conditional Admission – Degree Conferral

Domestic applicants seeking enrollment into a Franklin University Master’s Program who have not yet completed their qualifying degree program may be considered for conditional admission into a program. Conditional admission may be offered up to two semesters prior to an applicant’s anticipated graduation.
Conditionally admitted applicants may register for classes prior to completing their qualifying degree, but may not begin master’s program coursework until the semester after their degree is conferred.
It is the responsibility of the student to provide an official transcript confirming successful completion of their qualifying degree program prior to the end of their first semester. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their current program.

Master’s applicants may be offered conditional admission for both low GPA and pending degree conferral.

For the following programs, transcripts are evaluated for co-requisite requirements during the admission process:
M.S. in Accounting
M.S. in Accounting-STEM
M.S. in Computer Science
M.S. in Cybersecurity
M.S. in Information Technology

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective graduate students must demonstrate English language proficiency. A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the primary language for education. A list of these countries can be found below.*
The applicant has provided official documentation that meets Franklin graduate admission requirements from an institution in which English is the medium of instruction.
Has submitted an official score report meeting the minimum requirements for admission (see Minimum Scores below) from one of the following exams approved by Franklin University: Accuplacer ESL, Cambridge English Qualifications, Duolingo English Test (DET), International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Other officially recognized exams may also be considered. English proficiency scores must be less than two years old.

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

Licensure Disclaimer

Requirements for licensure vary from one profession to another and from state to state. If you are considering an online academic program that leads to a professional license in your state, it is highly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing agency in your home state BEFORE beginning the academic program located outside your state. Academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by that state in order to be eligible for a license. Eligibility for licensure and/or certification may involve more than successful degree completion. If you are interested in professional licensure, please check with the appropriate licensing body in the state where you intend to practice.

For more information regarding whether this program leads to professional licensure, please visit Franklin University’s Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage.

Program Advisory Board

The University employs a team approach to planning, developing and maintaining its academic curriculum. An essential element of this process – and a key to the institution’s quality assurance practices – is the Program Advisory Board (and the associated Alumni Advisory Board). A diverse array of business and industry leaders make up these discipline-specific boards that provide guidance on theory-to-practice ideas, global business perspectives, and emerging topics in the field. Each academic year, Program Advisory Boards meet with Division Chairs and faculty for lively and engaged conversations, thus bringing members’ substantial professional experience and expertise into the classroom. In addition, some Division Chairs elect to engage Program Advisory Board members in the assessment of academic program outcomes.

Name	Organization	Title
Matthew Curtin	Interhack Corporation	Founder
Glenn Goe	Stark State College	Assoc. Prof., Comp. Sci.+Info Syst.
Daniel Houser	JPMorgan Chase & Co.	VP
Keith Lyons	Cuyahoga Community College	Prof., IT Dept.
Larry McWherter	Columbus State Community College	Cybersecurity A.A.S.
Jason Montgomery	Mantium	Co-Founder + CTO
Mark Riley	Hocking College	Prg. Mgr., Cybersecurity
Richard Rozzell
William Sempf	Products of Innovative New Technology	Application Security Architect

Nationally Recognized

National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

Franklin University has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense since 2019, by the National Security Agency and its federal partners. Our B.S. in Cybersecurity received the program of study designation in 2019 and the M.S. in Cybersecurity program was designated in 2024. These designations were awarded as a result of a thorough investigation into the University's cybersecurity curriculum, faculty credentials, and competence in research and student involvement in cybersecurity activities.

For more information about the National Security Agency's Centers of Academic Excellence, please click here and for more information about the CAE Community, please click here.

National CyberWatch Center

Through our Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education, a member of the National CyberWatch Center, the University collaboratively engages in efforts to advance cybersecurity education and strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity workforce. In service to communities and individuals, we provide access to the latest research impacting the industry, as well as innovations in cybersecurity education and training.

Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education

Franklin University’s Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education provides the skills necessary to prepare professionals to effectively prevent, solve and investigate cybersecurity issues and challenges. The Center’s offerings leverage its faculty – who are both thought leaders and practitioners – along with Franklin University’s reputation for excellence in curriculum and course development to create learning experiences that address prevailing security concerns within industries and communities.

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Careers & Salary Outlook

18%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Cybersecurity are expected to increase by 18%

Occupation

Median Salary (2023)

Job Postings (2023)

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Occupation

Computer and Information Systems Managers

$169,520

18,129

20%

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Median Salary: $169,520
Job Postings: 18,129
Projected Growth: 20%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer and Information Systems Managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. Excludes Computer Occupations (15-1211 through 15-1299).

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
IT Directors	4,947	27%
Directors of Information Technology	3,929	22%
Chief Information Officers	1,502	8%
Chief Technology Officers	1,222	7%
Chief Information Security Officers	1,187	7%
Directors of IT Infrastructure	552	3%
Digital Transformation Directors	567	3%
Directors of IT Operations	521	3%
Vice Presidents of Software Engineering	618	3%
IT Associate Directors	557	3%
Directors of IT Security	310	2%
Directors of Infrastructure	322	2%
Directors of Technology Solutions	361	2%
Directors of IT Infrastructure and Operations	241	1%
Directors of Technology	408	2%
Directors of Network Development	166	1%
Deputy Chief Information Officers	187	1%
Chief Data Officers	217	1%
ITSM Managers	129	1%
Infrastructure Managers	186	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Computer Science	8,145	33%
Project Management	7,450	30%
Information Systems	4,066	16%
Cyber Security	3,453	14%
Auditing	3,323	13%
Agile Methodology	3,226	13%
IT Infrastructure	3,118	13%
IT Service Management	2,905	12%
Finance	2,819	11%
Business Process	2,629	11%
Information Technology Operations	2,529	10%
Change Management	2,505	10%
Software Development	2,362	10%
Microsoft Azure	2,326	9%
Technology Solutions	2,301	9%
Automation	2,295	9%
Continuous Improvement Process	2,294	9%
Risk Management	2,186	9%
Information Technology Infrastructure Library	2,148	9%
Technical Support	2,143	9%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		21%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		9%
	Software Publishers		5%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		4%
	Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services		4%
	Insurance Carriers		3%
	Other		53%

Information Security Analysts

$120,370

63,767

31%

Information Security Analysts

Median Salary: $120,370
Job Postings: 63,767
Projected Growth: 31%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Information Security Analysts plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Cybersecurity Analysts	10,497	17%
Information Security Analysts	9,459	15%
Information Systems Security Officers	12,362	19%
IT Auditors	4,672	7%
Cybersecurity Specialists	4,147	7%
Auditors	5,038	8%
IT Security Analysts	1,751	3%
Information Security Specialists	2,043	3%
Security Analysts	1,405	2%
Subject Matter Experts	1,803	3%
Incident Response Analysts	1,303	2%
Security Specialists	1,462	2%
Incident Managers	933	2%
Information Security Officers	1,103	2%
Security Operations Center Analysts	1,062	2%
Incident Response Managers	934	2%
Cyber Defense Analysts	924	1%
Security Operations Analysts	1,047	2%
Cyber Threat Hunters	785	1%
Audit Supervisors	1,037	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Cyber Security	26,550	49%
Auditing	20,508	38%
Vulnerability	16,559	30%
Computer Science	14,760	27%
Incident Response	14,058	26%
Information Systems	12,316	23%
Risk Analysis	12,080	22%
Security Controls	9,556	18%
Risk Management	9,201	17%
IT Security	8,747	16%
Firewall	8,411	15%
Security Information And Event Management (SIEM)	7,969	15%
Operating Systems	7,963	15%
Cyber Threat Intelligence	7,337	13%
Project Management	6,863	13%
Linux	6,666	12%
Information Assurance	6,558	12%
Information Systems Security	5,962	11%
Network Security	5,919	11%
Security Requirements Analysis	5,463	10%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		22%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		8%
	Depository Credit Intermediation		6%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		6%
	Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services		6%
	Scientific Research and Development Services		4%
	Other		48%

Computer Systems Analysts

$103,792

100,703

14%

Computer Systems Analysts

Median Salary: $103,792
Job Postings: 100,703
Projected Growth: 14%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer Systems Analysts analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Business Systems Analysts	30,879	31%
Systems Analysts	19,865	20%
Technical Business Analysts	5,633	6%
Technical Analysts	4,287	4%
Configuration Analysts	5,107	5%
IT Analysts	3,240	3%
Healthcare Data Analysts	2,516	3%
IT Systems Analysts	2,435	2%
Utilization Review Nurses	2,902	3%
SAP Solution Architects	1,914	2%
IT Business Systems Analysts	2,284	2%
Applications Systems Analysts	2,612	3%
Computer Systems Analysts	2,869	3%
Configuration Management Analysts	2,480	3%
Information Systems Analysts	2,381	2%
Systems Support Analysts	1,908	2%
Configuration Management Specialists	2,442	2%
Utilization Management Managers	1,950	2%
Healthcare Analysts	1,284	1%
Configuration Specialists	1,715	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Systems Analysis	28,296	22%
Project Management	28,075	22%
Computer Science	27,474	21%
SQL (Programming Language)	24,883	19%
Workflow Management	21,669	17%
Business Requirements	21,513	17%
Business Process	20,989	16%
Business Systems Analysis	20,487	16%
Data Analysis	18,907	15%
Agile Methodology	17,671	14%
Auditing	17,603	14%
Information Systems	15,358	12%
Process Improvement	12,768	10%
Technical Support	11,659	9%
Automation	11,073	9%
Finance	10,551	8%
Change Management	9,295	7%
Business Systems	9,102	7%
Medical Records	9,006	7%
Business Analysis	8,693	7%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		23%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		11%
	Insurance Carriers		5%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		4%
	Depository Credit Intermediation		4%
	Employment Services		4%
	Other		51%

Computer Network Support Specialists

$71,531

17,149

12%

Computer Network Support Specialists

Median Salary: $71,531
Job Postings: 17,149
Projected Growth: 12%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer Network Support Specialists analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Network Technicians	6,727	39%
NOC Technicians	1,757	10%
Network Support Technicians	1,135	7%
Network Operations Technicians	957	6%
Network Operations Center Technicians	863	5%
IT Technicians	415	2%
Operations Technicians	545	3%
Technicians	553	3%
Installation Technicians	525	3%
LAN Technicians	368	2%
Service Consultants	483	3%
Computer Network Technicians	376	2%
IT Network Technicians	308	2%
Support Technicians	236	1%
PC Network Support Technicians	508	3%
Network Field Technicians	278	2%
Lead Network Technicians	434	3%
VoIP Technicians	204	1%
Networking Technicians	223	1%
Service Technicians	254	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Network Routing	2,865	25%
Network Switches	2,846	24%
Telecommunications	2,386	21%
Local Area Networks	2,120	18%
Computer Networks	2,058	18%
Networking Hardware	1,993	17%
Wide Area Networks	1,663	14%
Operating Systems	1,471	13%
Technical Support	1,445	12%
Network Troubleshooting	1,355	12%
Computer Science	1,287	11%
Firewall	1,212	10%
Network Infrastructure	1,161	10%
Network Support	1,152	10%
Help Desk Support	1,060	9%
TCP/IP	1,021	9%
Peripheral Devices	908	8%
Network Monitoring	901	8%
Issue Tracking	866	7%
Active Directory	857	7%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		20%
	Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite)		8%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		7%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		6%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		5%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		5%
	Other		50%

Employment outlook data is provided by Lightcast and represents labor market trends in the United States. It is not specific to Franklin University graduates or any particular degree level. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Cybersecurity Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

Information Management

Install, test, schedule, repair and deploy new systems, system images, applications and updates
Monitor the performance of database operations and proactively recommend solutions
Monitor system resources including network bandwidth, database integrity, CPU usage, disk usage, backup systems, event logs and response times in order to maintain operating efficiency
Develop long-term strategies and capacity planning for meeting future hardware and network technology needs
Perform network and security audits, and conduct vulnerability analysis and risk assessment studies of planned and installed information systems
Develop business continuity and disaster recovery planning
Maintain current knowledge of plan executables and respond to crises appropriately

System Security Management

Design computer security architecture and detailed cybersecurity strategies
Identify critical security issues and recommend risk-reduction solutions
Develop security strategies and direct system control development and access management
Establish system safeguards by directing disaster preparedness development and conducting preparedness tests
Develop security awareness by directing the development of orientation and training programs
Implement security improvements by assessing current situation, evaluating trends, and anticipating requirements
Determine security violations and inefficiencies by conducting periodic audits

Network and Computer Systems Administration

Establish networking environment by designing system configuration; directing system installation; defining, documenting, and enforcing system standards
Configure infrastructure to implement design specifications and configuration
Develop, implement, and execute test plans and schedules
Maximize network performance by monitoring performance, troubleshooting network problems and outages, scheduling upgrades, and collaborating with network architects on optimization
Assemble and test network equipment
Write unit tests to provide sufficient testing coverage for each developed component
Create informative, readable, high-performance reports on incoming field-testing data

Which Cybersecurity Program is Best for You?

M.S. in Cybersecurity

M.S. in Computer Science - Cybersecurity

M.S. in Information Technology - Cybersecurity

Focus:
Grow your knowledge and experience with emerging cybersecurity technologies, methodologies and strategies.

Skills:
Build leadership and technical skills along with cutting-edge application of cyber defense strategies and tactics.

Careers:
Put your M.S. in Cybersecurity to work delivering risk-based, business-driven security strategies and action plans.

How many courses are in the program?
Nine courses (three 6-week courses and six 12-week courses)

How quickly can I complete the program?
16 months

Learn More

Focus:
Expand your technology capabilities to include identifying and developing security-focused software solutions.

Skills:
Advance your software development skills and expand your understanding of cryptography.

Careers:
Use your M.S. in Computer Science-Cybersecurity to lead the development of software solutions that prevent catastrophic loss.

How many courses are in the program?
Nine 12-week courses

How quickly can I complete the program?
20 months

Learn More

Focus:
Develop expertise in the areas of risk management, network security and ethical hacking.

Skills:
Deepen your understanding of operational security, risk assessment, mitigation and incident response.

Careers:
Leverage your M.S. in IT-Cybersecurity to become a driving force in systems and data protection.

How many courses are in the program?
Nine 12-week courses

How quickly can I complete the program?
16 months

Learn More

Get College Credit for What You Already Know

Master's in Cybersecurity Frequently Asked Questions

What is an M.S. in Cybersecurity degree?

The M.S. in Cybersecurity consists of courses in cryptography, advanced network security, ethical hacking and security governance.

What can you do with an M.S. in Cybersecurity degree?

Franklin’s M.S. in Cybersecurity equips you with theory-based knowledge and application-oriented security skills to institute cybersecurity measures as a standard business process. At Franklin, you’ll earn a comprehensive degree that enables you to see the big picture, translate technical issues to all audiences, and develop solutions that minimize risk.

Why get an M.S. in Cybersecurity degree?

Franklin’s M.S. in Cybersecurity is a great way to broaden your knowledge and skills. Aligned with industry-leading certifications, the program’s inclusion of emerging technologies like cloud, containers and Blockchain will make you an asset in government or a wide variety of industries including insurance, retail, or banking and finance.

What makes Franklin’s M.S. in Cybersecurity degree unique?

Aligned with industry-leading certifications, coursework for Franklin’s 16-month accelerated M.S. in Cybersecurity program can be completed online. At Franklin, experiential learning is an essential part of the cybersecurity curriculum. You’ll apply what you learn in order to prepare you to overcome real-life challenges.

In addition to technical expertise, you’ll gain management-level knowledge by examining strategic aspects of cybersecurity such as ethics, privacy, and information security policy and governance.

As part of your transformation into a well-rounded cybersecurity professional, you’ll also build the soft skills employers desire.

How long does it take to get an M.S. in Cybersecurity degree?

Franklin's M.S. in Cybersecurity can be completed in 16 months, 100% online.

When can I start an M.S. in Cybersecurity degree?

The M.S. in Cybersecurity has multiple start dates per year.

How much will my M.S. in Cybersecurity degree cost?

Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to better anticipate your tuition costs. Our 2026-2027 tuition rate is $690 per credit hour and you can use Franklin’s free online MyCost Estimator tool to get a personalized estimate of your total degree cost. Ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs.

See All >

2026 - 2027 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$690
RN-MSN Pathway (NURS 500)	$298
Current service members	$536
Master's Prerequisite Courses (500 level)	$398
Master's Prerequisite Courses (500 level) - International Students	$526
2026 - 2027 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$690

Other Fees and Charges	Cost
Resource fee (each semester)	$100

Class Type

Next Start Date

About Start Dates

Fall 2026

Spring 2027

Summer 2027

Fall 2027

Spring 2028

Placement Tests

Placement Information

Enhance your skills in emerging technologies with an online master’s in cybersecurity

Finish in as Few as 16 Months

$2,000 Smart Start Scholarship

Self-Directed Completion

Hands-On Learning

No GRE/GMAT Required

Prepare yourself for a cybersecurity career at the operational, tactical or strategic level

Build your competencies in cyber defense through hands-on coursework

Shorten your time to completion and lower your degree cost

Choose an online cybersecurity master’s degree that’s built for busy adults

Jayashree R

M.S. Cybersecurity '23

Affordable Tuition

Automatic Smart Start Scholarship

Partner? Pay Less.

Finish Fast

Tuition Guarantee

Highly Recommended

Free Master's Toolkit

Bolster your credentials with embedded cybersecurity certificates

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Defense

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Governance

Know the Total Cost of Your Master’s from Day One

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

National CyberWatch Center

Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education

From 2023-2033, jobs in Cybersecurity are expected to increase by 18%

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

About This Data

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