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School of Security & Global Studies

Cybersecurity Studies

Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Studies (MS)

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation

0 Entrance Exams
No GRE/GMAT Required

About Our Cybersecurity Master's Program

The online cybersecurity master's degree at American Public University provides you with an advanced understanding of large-scale cyber threats and cyber attack prevention, detection, and response. Build on your foundation in network security, cloud security, information assurance, risk management, information technology, cybercrime, and digital forensics with a master of science in cybersecurity studies.

Become familiar with the issues, policies, practices, and perspectives of various sectors, agencies, and disciplines, such as national security, intelligence, criminal justice, and emergency management through this master of science in cybersecurity studies. Expand your understanding of how cyberthreats impact human behaviors, public confidence, stock markets, economic sectors, and critical infrastructures.

What You Will Do in our Online Master's in Cybersecurity

  1. Understand emerging computer security theats and cybersecurity challenges arising from both external attackers and insider threats
  2. Study the legal, social, regulatory, ethical, and technical issues related to securing information systems and national critical infrastructures
  3. Comprehend interdisciplinary policies, practices, perspectives, and products required to address the cyber threats to information systems and critical infrastructures
  4. Master the fundamental skills involved with vulnerability assessment, risk mitigation, auditing, and certification of information systems and critical infrastructures

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
36
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
{{{GraduateTuition}}} | {{{GradPreferredMilitaryRate}}}*
{{{GraduateVeteranGrant}}}** | {{{GradOpportunityGrant}}}***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4562

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A healthy cyberinfrastructure is the foundation of emergency and disaster management. It provides emergency and disaster management agencies the ability to effectively address and respond to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and law enforcement issues. Technology has leveled the global playing field, and the impact on the cyberinfrastructure must be assessed among all relevant communities. This means implementing cybersecurity awareness into all levels of emergency and disaster management through: knowledge management, task behavior, dissemination of information, cyberinfrastructure impact awareness, communication, and deterrence. Students will be exposed to planning, management, response, and recovery factors related to cyberinfrastructure, as well as analyze economic, social, and technical aspects of cybersecurity associated with public emergencies and disasters.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4522

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This course introduces students to risk management components including plans and strategies to mitigate risk. Students in this course will examine the role of risk management at the strategic and enterprise levels in the prevention of loss and mitigation of consequences through risk identification and control. This course will allow students to develop and apply risk management techniques to include selection of risk management measures and implementation of those measures.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4528

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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the cyber intelligence field and is intended to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills often needed to navigate the complex world of cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and risks. Students will explore the full range of cyber capabilities from exploitation to defense, including several case studies that demonstrate the challenges and benefits of cyber intelligence operations. Through discussion forums and a research project, students will gain a deeper understanding of the role cyber intelligence plays in national security and the protection of critical infrastructures.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3860

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This course examines information concealment techniques, technologies, hardware, software, and relevant legislation for cyber forensics to reveal and track legal and illegal activity. The course examines the process for investigation and introduces the tools and procedures required to legally seize and forensically evaluate a suspect machine. Also covered are the rules of evidence, chain of custody, standard operating procedures, and the manipulation of technology to conceal illegal activities, and revealing concealed information using cyber forensics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4099

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The global reach of the Internet, the low cost of online activity, and the relative anonymity of users has led to an increase in computer related crimes. This course focuses on cybercrime investigation and prevention; it appraises the legal issues related to on-line criminal conduct, the collection of electronic evidence, and the onslaught of new technology. This course also analyzes the phases, processes, and challenges of cybercrime investigations, and it examines technical, legal, and social issues relating to the search and seizure of digital evidence and computer forensics. Students will encounter the challenges of the latency between technology and the law.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3871

|
Telecommunications networks are a critical component of the global economic and social infrastructures. Securing critical infrastructure is an established priority within Information Security Management. This course examines the field of secure telecommunications networks, including emerging threats, system vulnerability, network evolution, and network defense mechanisms.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3872

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This course examines the tenets of Intrusion Detection, Intrusion Prevention, and Incident Handling. Intrusion Detection focuses on the methods to detect attempts (attacks or intrusions) to compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of an information system. Also included is an analysis of the principles and practices of intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, and incident handling; network-based, host-based, and hybrid intrusion detection; identifying attack patterns; deployment of resources and responses to handle the incident, surveillance, damage assessment, risk assessment, data forensics, data mining, attack tracing, system recovery, and continuity of operation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3873

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The course analyzes computer and systems security measures by examining a model for information assurance; it also examines the components of a comprehensive Information Assurance plan. Topics included are: asset identification, human factors, compliance with regulations, personnel security, risk assessment and ethical considerations, IA policy, as well as computer and network security tools.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4095

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This course focuses on the research methods, tools, instruments, and devices used in Information Sciences and Information Technology; it appraises the logic of the scientific method, research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis of data for the purpose of conducting and reporting basic research in a scholarly and academic setting. Through concentration-based case studies, it investigates current trends, legal and ethical issues, global and societal impact, policies, and applications in the fields of information technology, information security, cyberlaw, digital forensics, and media management. This course evaluates methods to collect, classify, categorize, evaluate, assess, and report research data, to formulate valid research questions, and to derive logical conclusions. The principles, practices, tools, and methodologies presented in this course are applicable throughout the program of graduate studies.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4490

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This course focuses on the ways that law, ethics and cybersecurity overlap and intersect. Besides laws related to cybersecurity, the course examines laws related to intellectual property, civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, and privacy. This examination will provide the means to identify and analyze the policies reflected in those laws. Those policies could guide the creation of policies on a business-level, using qualitative risk assessment and planning. An exploration of ethics and cybersecurity, as well as of workplace ethics, will involve the use of an ethical framework.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4514

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This course will provide an overview of current cyber policy and strategy for non-practitioners in a national security framework. Students will study the cyber threat environment; laws and policies that govern cyber security; current and historical structure, functions, and capabilities of private and governmental agencies comprising the cyber community; and future trends that affect national security
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Choose 3 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4935

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This Cybersecurity Studies: Capstone Practical course integrates the knowledge, skills, and posture acquired in the program courses. This course is the capstone course of studies completed toward the graduate degree in Cybersecurity Studies. This course will only be offered in 16-week sessions. Students will complete an applied project design that demonstrates mastery and application of advanced research and analytic skills related to the learning outcomes of this degree program. This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 09/22/24 Spring 2024 Session C 16 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 10/20/24 Summer 2024 Session A 16 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 11/24/24 Summer 2024 Session K 16 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 12/22/24 Summer 2024 Session C 16 Week session

Course ID: 4564

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This Master’s degree capstone course in Cybersecurity Studies is an integrative, multi-disciplinary course that applies the knowledge, skills, and attitudes obtained in the core courses. NOTE: This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED and student has a 3.0 GPA. THIS COURSE IS 16 WEEKS.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 09/22/24 Spring 2024 Session C 16 Week session
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 10/20/24 Summer 2024 Session A 16 Week session
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 11/24/24 Summer 2024 Session K 16 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 12/22/24 Summer 2024 Session C 16 Week session

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Admission Requirements

All master's degree and graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

In order to be considered for the M.S. in Cybersecurity program, students should meet one of three admission requirement options.

Option A 
The student must have earned:

  • An undergraduate IT degree or a degree in a closely related field
  • One of the University’s IT-related certificates
  • An IT-related minor or concentration during an undergraduate program
  • 9 credits in cybersecurity, information technology, or other closely related courses

Option B 
The student must have acquired at least one of these IT or cybersecurity certifications:

  • CompTIA Security
  • CompTIA Network+® 
  • CompTIA A+® 
  • CompTIA Project+® 
  • CompTIA CySA+® 
  • CISSP® 
  • SSCP®
  • CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)®
  • Cisco CCNA® Security

A student can also have earned a valid and current Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute.

Option C
The student must have acquired demonstrable knowledge acquired from another source, such as:

  • A combination of closely related field and relevant work experience in the industry of at least two years  
  • A completion of closely related education or certification (not listed in option A or B) coupled with relevant work experience

Important Notes

  • If the IT-specific requirements are not noted in the official bachelor's or master's transcript, you must provide official copies of your undergraduate transcripts that show the appropriate coursework.
  • The verification of the two years of work experience needs to be sent to the university via a formal resume or CV.
  • Preadmission courses must have been completed within the last 5 years and at the undergraduate level must be graded C or better; B or better at the graduate level. 

CEH® and Certified Ethical Hacker® are registered trademarks of EC-Council.
CompTIA Security+®, CompTIA Network+®, CompTIA A+®, CompTIA Project+®, and CompTIA CySA+® are all registered trademarks of the Computer Technology Industry Association, Inc.
CISSP® and SSCP® are registered trademarks of International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.
CCNA® is a registered trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc.  

Please visit our graduate admission page for more information on institutional admission requirements.

Need help?
If you have questions regarding a program’s admission requirements, please contact an Admissions Coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Materials Cost

Most courses in this program use Open Educational Resources (OER). These teaching, learning, and research materials are made available to you at no cost, meaning there are minimal book costs associated with earning this degree.

Technology fee: $85 per course

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

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