Master's in Information Technology with Cybersecurity Focus

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M.S. Information Technology - Cybersecurity Governance Courses & Curriculum

36 Semester Hours

Major Area Required

ITEC 640 - Project Management (4)

This course examines various issues related to the management of information systems. Topics include: strategic planning, organizing the technology resources, means of prioritizing and selecting information technology, staffing, personnel management, and assessment.

ITEC 660 - Web Development and Deployment (4)

This course builds web applications by combining software development, database, and cloud concepts into a modern web development course. Students will use current technologies in all three areas to design, develop, and deploy web applications in cloud-based environments. Topics will include web frameworks, model-view-controller or model-view-view/model architectures, front- and back-end technologies, asynchronous web requests, database integration, security, and cloud deployment design decisions.

ITEC 670 - Network, Cloud and Systems Management (4)

This course focuses on the management and governance of an organization's information technology infrastructure. Topics include the management of large network infrastructures, cloud management, systems management, management mechanisms for data centers, network virtualization, cloud security and infrastructure governance issues and approaches. Multiple applications in areas such as commerce, science, and big data are addressed.

ITEC 690 - IT Strategy and Policy (4)

This course focuses on the value of Information Technology within an organization. For many organizations, IT is a cost; for others, it is a strategic advantage. Emphasis is placed on organizational efficiency and leadership of IT organizations to enhance business value and organizational performance.

DATA 630 - Applied Database Management (4)

This course teaches data management from an applied perspective. The topics include fundamentals of database management systems, structured query language (SQL) for data analytics, relational database design, and data warehousing.

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.

Standard or Specialization

Information Technology Standard:

12 credits from levels 600-699 in the following subjects: CYSC, COMP, CLOUD, BUSA, DATA, MIS, MATH.

OR

Cybersecurity Engineering Specialization:

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 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).

OR

Cybersecurity Governance Specialization:

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.

OR

Data Analytics Specialization:

MATH 601 - Introduction to Analytics (4)

This course provides an introductory overview of methods, concepts, and current practices in the growing field of statistics and data analytics. Topics to be covered include data collection, data analysis and visualization as well as probability, statistical inference and regression methods for informed decision-making. Students will explore these topics with current statistical software. Some emphasis will also be given to ethical principles of data analytics.

DATA 605 - Data Visualization & Reporting (4)

This course focuses on collecting, preparing, and analyzing data to create visualizations, dashboards, and stories that can be used to communicate critical business insights. Students will learn how to structure and streamline data analysis projects and highlight their implications efficiently using the most popular visualization tools used by businesses today.

DATA 610 - Data Mining for Decision Making (4)

This course explores data mining methods and tools for effective decision making, enhanced by AI-augmented analytics and practical project applications. Students will learn to discover actionable patterns that transform data into business insights and drive organizational value.

OR

IT Management Specialization:

MGMT 707 - MBA Foundations (4)

More than ever before, the ability to understand and be understood is critical for success in the corporate world. Communication is no longer limited by the narrow definitions of the past. Achieving a business leadership position today means not only being adept at both oral and written communication, but also understanding communication from a strategic point-of-view and knowing how to effectively organize and present information to audiences of all sizes. In this course, you will develop and refine these capabilities. What you gain from this course will be of value throughout your MBA program, as well as in the workplace.

MGMT 711 - Business Environment (4)

This course systematically explores the external environment in which businesses operate - legal and regulatory, macroeconomic, cultural, political, technological, and natural. Additionally, the course will examine the critical opportunities and threats that arise from an analysis of external business conditions. Students will apply scenario planning to a selected industry and synthesize trends in the external environment in the presence of risk and uncertainty.

MGMT 780 - Organizational Leadership Theories (4)

This course provides an overview of the historical and current leadership concepts, theories and constructs. Application and assessment of the individual leadership style will enable the student to develop their leadership voice. This course will provide a construct that will enable the student to identify transferrable skills that align with the organization that they are serving in. This course will challenge students to assess their own leadership strengths and weaknesses and produce an in-depth plan of action to develop and refine leadership competencies. Students will conduct substantive scholarly research to address and capture relevant and cutting-edge leadership theoretical work for application in course assignments.

OR

Artificial Intelligence Specialization:

MATH 601 - Introduction to Analytics (4)

This course provides an introductory overview of methods, concepts, and current practices in the growing field of statistics and data analytics. Topics to be covered include data collection, data analysis and visualization as well as probability, statistical inference and regression methods for informed decision-making. Students will explore these topics with current statistical software. Some emphasis will also be given to ethical principles of data analytics.

DATA 611 - Applied Machine Learning (4)

This course explores two main areas of machine learning: supervised and unsupervised. Topics include the fundamental concepts, roadmap of a machine learning project, classification algorithms, regression algorithms, dimensionality reduction, model evaluation, natural language processing, neural networks and deep learning, typical issues in real-world machine learning problems, and Python programming in data science.

AI 640 - AI Ethics, Safety, and Society (4)

This course examines the ethical, safety, and societal challenges associated with the design, deployment, and governance of artificial intelligence and machine learning systems. Students explore both technical and non-technical dimensions of responsible AI, including fairness, bias detection and mitigation, transparency, interpretability, and model-level and system-level safety concerns. The course explicitly addresses alignment, robustness, misuse, and unintended behaviors in real-world AI deployments, alongside legal, organizational, and societal considerations. Through analysis of real-world case studies, students evaluate failures in AI ethics, safety, and governance, and develop practical frameworks for responsible AI decision-making. The course prepares students to design, deploy, and oversee AI systems that are ethical, safe, and socially responsible in organizational contexts.

OR

Tech Product Management Specialization:

MIS 600 - Introduction to Information Systems (4)

This course provides an overview of information systems, including their uses in organizations and impacts on business. Students will develop insights into how information systems can be used to support business processes and decision-making, gain a competitive advantage, and foster enterprise collaboration. Key topics include enterprise resource planning, data warehouses, e-commerce and m-commerce, business intelligence, knowledge management, privacy and security, systems development and procurement, and project management.

MIS 620 - Business, Process, and Systems Analysis (4)

This course covers business, process, and system analysis concepts in the system development lifecycle. It explores how analysts bridge the gap between business and technical expertise and their leadership and innovation produce competitive products. Topics include user requirements analysis, story creation, system architecture, process modeling, automation, piloting prototypes, changing environment, and userbase.

MIS 640 - Product Management (4)

Product managers become a bridge between cross-functional teams and customers by understanding customer needs and building innovative products in a competitive business environment. This course covers how product managers apply leadership skills that embrace different concepts such as product strategy, customer discovery, market evaluation, product planning, minimum viable product, go-to-market, product-market fit, and growth prospects.

OR

AI Leadership for Professionals Specialization:

AI 701 - Foundations of AI Leadership (4)

This foundational course equips non-technical professionals with the practical skills to use leading-edge AI reliably in real work?spanning predictive insights, generative capabilities, and automation-oriented workflows?without programming or deep technical implementation. It builds a clear mental model of what AI can and cannot do, then develops repeatable, auditable workflows that produce professional-grade deliverables through explicit constraints, structured formatting, verification steps, and quality controls. The course broadens from individual workflow competence to organizational leadership considerations?governance and risk, AI-enabled operating models and adoption, and controlled approaches to agentic automation?so foundational practice can be applied within team and organizational constraints. This is an AI-enabled course. AI is used extensively to draft, analyze, and iterate on deliverables, while human critical judgment, domain expertise, and structured review remain central to ensuring accuracy, appropriateness, and responsible use.

AND

At least 2 of the following courses:

AI 702 - AI Governance, Risk, and Ethical Leadership (4)

Organizations are adopting generative and automation-oriented AI quickly; the most consequential failures are typically governance failures?unclear accountability, unmanaged information exposure, weak evaluation discipline, and unrecognized bias. This course builds operational leadership capability to govern AI-enabled work in professional settings (business, healthcare, government, non-profit, etc.) through practical, defensible guardrails. Work centers on risk framing tied to measurable harm and impact; decision rights and oversight; enterprise risk assessment (including compliance/legal exposure) with owners and escalation thresholds; information boundaries for privacy, sensitive data, retention, and intellectual property; evidence-based evaluation and auditability; vendor due diligence; and incident readiness. Ethical leadership is treated as an explicit thread across these practices?clarifying who is affected, what tradeoffs are acceptable, what safeguards are required, and what recourse exists when failures occur?so decisions remain defensible under real-world delivery pressure. This is an AI-enabled course. AI is used extensively to draft, analyze, and iterate on deliverables, while human critical judgment, domain expertise, and structured review remain central to ensuring accuracy, appropriateness, and responsible use.

OR AI 703 - Leading the AI-Native Organization (4)

This course equips organizational leaders to guide the strategic and human realities of AI adoption across operations. The focus is operating-model redesign: selecting high-value use cases, defining accountability where human judgment and automated execution intersect, and managing change without degrading trust, quality, or compliance. Emphasis is placed on measurable outcomes?cycle time, quality, cost, risk, and stakeholder confidence?using disciplined evaluation, workflow design, and adoption practices suitable for real departments and functions. The course also addresses AI-enabled innovation by using AI outputs to generate options quickly, then applying practical verification steps and decision documentation so actions are evidence-based and defensible. This is an AI-enabled course. AI is used extensively to draft, analyze, and iterate on deliverables, while human critical judgment, domain expertise, and structured review remain central to ensuring accuracy, appropriateness, and responsible use.

OR AI 704 - Leading Agentic Automation (4)

This course prepares non-technical professionals to design, build, and operationalize AI-enabled workflows using no-code automation platforms. Work is hands-on and production-minded: each week advances a functioning workflow agent that executes a defined operational process through triggers, structured inputs, decisions, actions, exceptions, escalation paths, and explicit human review gates. The course emphasizes operational credibility in business and healthcare contexts?intake and triage, case routing, documentation support, approvals, and controlled downstream actions?where reliability, auditability, privacy, and safe failure behavior matter. The culminating deliverable is an operator-ready pilot package: a working workflow plus the minimum documentation and evidence required to run it responsibly in a controlled pilot (data boundaries, integration requirements, test evidence, operating procedures, monitoring signals, and an improvement backlog). This is an AI-enabled course. AI is used extensively to draft, analyze, and iterate on deliverables, while human critical judgment, domain expertise, and structured review remain central to ensuring accuracy, appropriateness, and responsible use.

Corequisites

At least 1 of the following courses:

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

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.

AND

(COMP 204 - Principles of Computer Networks AND ITEC 400 – Linux Administration) OR ITEC 350 - Windows Administration can be used to replace ITEC 504. 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.

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Connect with SIGs (shared interest groups), attend monthly speaker events and join a nationwide network of students and professionals who share your passion for technology. Guided by faculty mentors, Franklin’s student-run chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), helps you gain the connections and practical experiences that set you apart. From hands-on skills building challenges and preparation for certification exams to monthly events and study groups, every opportunity prepares you for the professional path ahead. Membership opens the door – active participation differentiates you in the tech world.

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B.S. Information Technology

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B.S. Computer Science

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B.S. Cybersecurity

ACM bridged the gap between what I learned in class and the practical skills I need in the real world. Competing in the National Cyber League and placing well as a team wouldn't have been possible without this group. This has been the highlight of my Franklin experience.

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B.S. Cybersecurity

The ACM Cybersecurity SIG and the National Cyber League are where I developed the hands-on skills that matter in the field – pen testing, SOC analysis, incident response. This chapter gives you the practical experience that sets you apart.

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M.S. Information Technology - Cybersecurity Governance Program Details

Tuition Costs

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Program 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. Information Technology 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:
- M.S. in Information Technology students must earn at least 20 of the 36 required credits at Franklin University – in any modality (on-site, hybrid or online).
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

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
Laura Aeh	Huntington Bank	VP, Segment Risk Mgr. Sr.
Michael Clark	Bob Evans Farms Inc.	Network Manager/Technologist
Tracey Sigers	National Center for Urban Solutions (ncus)	Dir, Ai and Digital Skills Initiatives
MarKel Snyder	Fortis Cyber Solutions	President and Chief Executive Officer
Loren Stone	Autonomy Hub	Managing Dir, Strategy & Partnerships

Careers & Salary Outlook

17%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Information Technology are expected to increase by 17%

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%

Computer and Information Research Scientists

$145,080

8,719

26%

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Median Salary: $145,080
Job Postings: 8,719
Projected Growth: 26%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Computer and Information Research Scientists conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Computer Scientists	3,418	39%
Computational Scientists	1,167	13%
Research Computer Scientists	990	11%
Scientists	741	9%
Principal Scientists	551	6%
Cryptologists	320	4%
NLP Engineers	215	3%
Applied Scientists	225	3%
Applications Scientists	273	3%
Associate Scientists	131	2%
Staff Scientists	153	2%
Transformation Analysts	52	1%
Applied Researchers	61	1%
Postdoctoral Research Associates	44	1%
Digital Solutions Directors	60	1%
Computer Scientists/Software Engineers	99	1%
Modeling Analysts	36	0%
Artificial Intelligence Consultants	63	1%
Artificial Intelligence Engineers	51	1%
Speech Language Pathologists	69	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Computer Science	3,587	54%
Python (Programming Language)	2,503	38%
Machine Learning	2,415	37%
Artificial Intelligence	1,982	30%
Statistics	1,513	23%
Algorithms	1,441	22%
Software Engineering	1,325	20%
C++ (Programming Language)	1,231	19%
Computer Engineering	1,136	17%
Data Science	1,097	17%
Software Development	1,054	16%
R (Programming Language)	1,026	16%
Data Analysis	976	15%
Natural Language Processing (NLP)	945	14%
Java (Programming Language)	906	14%
Physics	878	13%
Systems Design	838	13%
Programming Languages	825	13%
Deep Learning	815	12%
Project Management	813	12%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Federal Government, Civilian		32%
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		21%
	Scientific Research and Development Services		15%
	Software Publishers		8%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		7%
	Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services		3%
	Other		15%

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%

Database Administrators

$101,504

123,181

12%

Database Administrators

Median Salary: $101,504
Job Postings: 123,181
Projected Growth: 12%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Database Administrators administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Data Engineers	42,924	35%
Database Administrators	17,815	15%
Salesforce Administrators	8,021	7%
Oracle Database Administrators	6,848	6%
Data Center Technicians	8,527	7%
ETL Developers	4,195	3%
SQL Developers	4,169	3%
Lead Data Engineers	4,253	4%
SQL Database Administrators	4,133	3%
Database Engineers	3,497	3%
Big Data Engineers	2,447	2%
Oracle PL/SQL Developers	2,171	2%
Informatica Developers	1,923	2%
Database Analysts	2,196	2%
Azure Engineers	1,920	2%
PL/SQL Developers	1,429	1%
Data Center Engineers	1,864	2%
Principal Engineers	1,860	2%
ETL Informatica Developers	1,271	1%
SQL Server Database Administrators	1,718	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
SQL (Programming Language)	60,343	51%
Extract Transform Load (ETL)	37,069	31%
Data Engineering	36,953	31%
Computer Science	36,029	30%
Python (Programming Language)	35,355	30%
Data Warehousing	25,747	22%
Amazon Web Services	25,620	22%
Database Administration	24,353	20%
Agile Methodology	22,959	19%
Data Modeling	22,543	19%
Microsoft Azure	20,150	17%
Automation	18,960	16%
Data Analysis	18,745	16%
Data Pipelines	17,353	15%
Scripting	16,429	14%
Scalability	15,450	13%
Java (Programming Language)	14,305	12%
Data Quality	14,285	12%
Performance Tuning	14,165	12%
Apache Spark	13,826	12%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		14%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		8%
	State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		4%
	Insurance Carriers		4%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		4%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		4%
	Other		62%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Network and Computer Systems Administrators install, configure, and maintain an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Systems Administrators	39,811	39%
Network Administrators	13,740	14%
Linux System Administrators	7,906	8%
Windows Administrators	5,530	5%
Linux Administrators	3,914	4%
IT Systems Administrators	4,276	4%
Linux Engineers	3,115	3%
Sharepoint Administrators	3,107	3%
IT Administrators	3,268	3%
Linux Systems Engineers	2,238	2%
Windows Server System Administrators	2,266	2%
Network Systems Administrators	2,473	2%
Computer Operators	2,121	2%
Application Administrators	1,517	2%
Administrators	1,471	1%
Servicenow Administrators	909	1%
Server Administrators	1,320	1%
Cloud Systems Administrators	1,038	1%
Netsuite Administrators	1,029	1%
Unix Administrators	1,099	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Operating Systems	29,292	32%
Linux	28,682	31%
System Administration	23,750	26%
Computer Science	23,506	25%
Active Directory	21,487	23%
Scripting	19,017	21%
Windows Servers	17,236	19%
Automation	16,487	18%
Firewall	13,815	15%
Network Administration	12,879	14%
Windows PowerShell	12,145	13%
Microsoft Azure	11,980	13%
Technical Support	11,710	13%
Python (Programming Language)	11,596	13%
Backup Devices	11,587	12%
Network Routing	11,223	12%
Unix	10,390	11%
Network Switches	10,260	11%
SQL (Programming Language)	9,785	11%
Local Area Networks	9,737	10%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		16%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		7%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		5%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		4%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		4%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		3%
	Other		61%

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.

M.S. Information Technology - Cybersecurity Governance Knowledge and Skillsets

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

Systems Management & Administration

Design and implement security systems and redundant backups to maintain data safety
Install and configure operating systems and other software
Administer infrastructure, including firewalls, databases, malware protection software and other processes
Provide technical support for both hardware and software issues
Write custom scripts to reduce the need for human intervention
Troubleshoot and resolve system service failures by identifying and analyzing the situation and provides corrective action
Develop, install and test new network hardware and software releases and system upgrades
Evaluate and install patches and resolve software-related problems
Monitor systems activities and fine tune system parameters and configuration to optimize performance and ensure security of systems

IT Project Management

Initiate, plan, execute and close multiple complex IT projects
Understand current and future business goals and ongoing IT issues to ensure business success
Integrate information technologies for optimal effectiveness
Delegate project tasks based on individual strengths, skill sets and experience levels
Track project performance to analyze the successful completion of short- and long-term goals
Meet budgetary objectives and make adjustments to project constraints based on financial analysis
Implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to ensure high-quality and on-time delivery of projects

Architecture & Engineering

Build and deploy applications, plans and strategies relating cloud computing
Configure and support installation of various network devices and services
Monitor cloud activity
Design and migrate applications
Plan courses of action and define computing loads
Sustain the necessary data throughput rate by monitoring networking activity and maintaining existing equipment
Respond to and resolve network connectivity issues

Information Risk, Compliance & Security Strategy

Conduct enterprise risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and prioritize information security risks
Analyze organizational assets, threats and existing controls to support risk-based decision-making
Develop mitigation strategies that align security investments with business objectives and risk tolerance
Measure and communicate the effectiveness of security programs through assessments, reporting and key performance metrics
Evaluate security, compliance and operational requirements to support long-term organizational protection.
Recommend proactive security strategies that address emerging threats while supporting organizational goals

Cybersecurity Governance, Policy & Program Leadership

Develop and implement information security policies, standards and governance frameworks
Design organizational security programs that balance business needs, regulatory requirements and security objectives
Establish security controls, oversight structures and accountability mechanisms to support security initiatives
Create security metrics and performance measures to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
Lead the development of strategic security roadmaps that promote a proactive security process
Align security governance practices with organizational priorities, industry frameworks and regulatory expectations

M.S. IT - Cybersecurity, M.S. Computer Science - Cybersecurity, or M.S. in Cybersecurity?

M.S. in Information Technology - Cybersecurity

M.S. in Computer Science - Cybersecurity

M.S. in Cybersecurity

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

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:
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

Get College Credit for What You Already Know

M.S. Information Technology - Cybersecurity Governance Frequently Asked Questions

What is cybersecurity governance?

Cybersecurity governance is the leadership side of security: setting policy, managing risk, addressing privacy and compliance requirements, and building the controls and oversight an organization needs. Franklin's M.S. in Information Technology with Cybersecurity Governance specialization combines a 24-credit IT core with 12 credits focused on information risk management, cybercrime, ethics and privacy, and information security policy and governance, preparing you to take a larger role in how security decisions are made.

What can you do with a master’s in GRC?

Franklin's cybersecurity governance specialization within the M.S. in Information Technology degree can prepare you for roles such as information security manager, governance, risk & compliance manager, and security policy or privacy officer. You'll build skills in risk assessment, cybersecurity policy, privacy, compliance, controls, metrics and enterprise security leadership.

Why get a cybersecurity policy master’s degree?

Technical controls are only part of cybersecurity. Organizations also need people who can set policy, manage risk, interpret privacy and compliance requirements, and build security programs that support business priorities. Franklin’s M.S. in information technology with cybersecurity governance specialization prepares you to lead those decisions while keeping your graduate degree grounded in broader information technology.

What makes Franklin’s cybersecurity governance specialization unique?

Franklin's cybersecurity governance specialization combines a broad IT foundation with focused graduate study in information risk management, privacy, compliance, ethics and security policy. You'll learn to connect security controls and governance decisions directly to business needs and priorities.

When can I start Franklin’s online master’s in information technology with cybersecurity governance?

Choose from three start dates each year – fall (August and September), spring (January) or summer (May).

How much does a master’s in information technology with cybersecurity governance specialization 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 get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost. Our 2026-2027 tuition rate is $690 per credit hour. Use Franklin’s free MyCost Estimator to get a personalized estimate of your total degree cost. If you have any questions, ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs.

How long does an online master’s in information technology with cybersecurity governance specialization take?

Franklin’s 36-credit M.S. in information technology with cybersecurity governance can be completed in as few as 16 months. The fully online program combines a 24-credit IT core with a 12-credit cybersecurity governance specialization.

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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

Spring 2027

Summer 2027

Fall 2027

Spring 2028

Placement Tests

Placement Information

Master’s in IT with cybersecurity governance: Lead the program behind the protection

Industry-Leading Tools

Finish in as Few as 16 Months

Real-World Practitioners

Build cybersecurity governance on a stronger IT foundation

Move from reactive security to proactive cybersecurity governance

Write defensible security policy

Turn governance into a program

Carl G.

M.S. Information Technology '19

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From 2023-2033, jobs in Information Technology are expected to increase by 17%

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