Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity
Earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity online, learn defensive and offensive approaches to stop malicious attacks
The M.S. in cybersecurity program prepares students for exciting mid-career and senior level positions managing the security and privacy of customer data and defense the nation’s critical infrastructure from cybercriminals and nation states alike.
The program will introduce students to advanced concepts of cybersecurity such as how to provide confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Students will learn how to design and manage a comprehensive cybersecurity program to address the threat and understand the legal aspects of cybersecurity. This program will also present students with a very technical hands-on labs involving malware analysis, vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, appropriate use of cryptography, incident handling, and vulnerability mitigation. The program’s Capstone course will challenge you to demonstrate your mastery of these concepts and technical skills into a final risk assessment exercise.
Job Titles and Midrange Salaries:
- Cybersecurity Analyst - $95,000
- Cybersecurity Consultant - $91,000
- Penetration & Vulnerability Tester -$103,000
- Cybersecurity Manager / Administrator - $105,000
- Cybersecurity Engineer - $106,000
- Cybersecurity Architect - $133,000
Top Certifications:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- SANS/GIAC Certification
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- CompTIA Security+
*Source: CyberSeek
Why Capitol?
Our comprehensive cybersecurity center
The Center for Cybersecurity Research and Analysis serves as the university hub for training, research, analysis, and programming in all things cybersecurity. Learn to defeat simulated cyberattacks, land an internship where you can put your skills to work and prepare for the workforce, publish a scholarly article addressing an existing challenge in the field, and much more. Students–both on-ground and online–faculty, alumni, and community partners alike are welcome.
Our long history in cybersecurity education
As one of the first schools in the nation to be designated a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency, Capitol Technology University stands ready to advance the field and do its part to combat one of the nation’s greatest challenges.
Our understanding of what you need to know
Our master’s in cybersecurity (MSCS) program is mapped to National Security Agency’s cybersecurity defense knowledge units. This guarantees you’ll have the advanced coursework necessary for this ever-changing field, plus you’ll be prepared to take certification exams.
Our location is a magnet for top faculty
The Baltimore/Washington area has one of the largest concentrations of high-tech companies, defense contractors, and government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Since many of our faculty are currently working in cybersecurity, you’re taught up-to-date strategies and best practices from the world’s top practitioners.
Program is 100% Online
Our master’s in cybersecurity program is offered 100% online. Once you are accepted, all you need is an Internet connection and you can attend class. We keep the classes small so you receive personalized attention from faculty who are interested in sharing their knowledge and helping you succeed.
Course Format
All classes are taught online. All courses are offered in 8-week terms in an asynchronous format.
Capitol Tech Opportunities
Key Faculty
Dr. Kellep Charles
Chair, Cybersecurity
Dr. Kellep Charles is Chair of Cybersecurity programs at Capitol Technology University. He completed his Doctorate in Cybersecurity at Capitol Technology University. He also holds a Master of Science in Telecommunication Management from the University of Maryland University College and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Contact Dr. Kellep Charles
Dr. William Butler
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. William (Bill) Butler is currently the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Capitol Technology University. Prior to this appointment in 2021, Dr. Butler served as Cybersecurity Chair for 8 years at Capitol Tech. Earlier in his career, he worked in the networking and IT industries as a network engineer and consultant for over 20 years. He also served as a joint qualified communications information systems officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired as a Colonel with 30 years of service (active and reserve). Dr. Butler holds a Doctorate in cybersecurity earned from Capitol focusing on preserving cellphone privacy and countering illegal cell towers (IMSI catchers).
Dr. Ron Martin
Professor of Practice, Critical Infrastructure, Industrial Control System Security, and Access and Identity Management
Dr. Ron Martin is a Professor of Practice at Capitol Technology University, specializing in the functional areas of Critical Infrastructure, Industrial Control System Security, Identity, Credential, and Access Management. Dr. Martin maintains professional relationships with a diverse mix of businesses. He serves on the board of directors for many profit and nonprofit organizations, such as the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) P2887 - Zero Trust Security Working Group (ZTSWG) as Vice Chair. He is a voting member of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to the International Standards Organization (ISO), which works to develop and articulate the U.S. position by ensuring public and private sector stakeholder involvement. He is also a member of the Cloud Security Alliance Zero-Trust/ Software Defined Perimeter Expert’s Working Group and the Security Industry Association Standards Committee.
Top Employers of Capitol Technology University's Graduates
Career Opportunities
Market Demand for Cybersecurity
Get the advanced education needed to become a computer information security officer, security manager, chief security officer, chief scientist, risk assessor, information systems security officer, cybersecurity administrator, chief information officer, or information security analyst.
Degree Details
Curriculum
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity students are expected to have a background in computer information systems, computer networking, telecommunications, information technology, network security, or computer science. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of servers, routers, hubs, switches, TCP-IP, etc. CCNS, Security+, SSCP, or CISSP certifications provide an excellent foundation for preparation, but are not required.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates are subject to change.
The following rates are in effect for the 2021-2022 academic year, beginning in Fall 2021 and continuing through Summer 2022:
- The per credit charge for graduate courses:
- Online or satellite campus (per credit) - $630, plus fees (information technology and other applicable fees)
- Independent study (per credit) - $877, plus fees (information technology and other applicable fees)
- The active duty military tuition rate is $350 per credit, plus fees (additional discounts and scholarships do not apply)
- The retired military tuition rate is $530 per credit, plus fees (additional discounts and scholarships do not apply)
- There is no charge for online application, $40 fee for paper application
For 2022-2023 masters tuition and fees, click here.
The National Security Agency and Department of Defense have designated Capitol Technology University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. We were honored to have a communications team from the NSA come to campus and produce this video explaining the benefits of our award-winning program.
The caliber of the people teaching at Capitol is phenomenal. They’re not just sitting in a college office; they’re in the field, they’re doing the work – and that’s what an educational system needs, especially in areas like information security, which are ever-evolving.>
-David Shifflett
US Army veteran, MSCIS
One thing I liked is that there were a lot of hands-on labs, as opposed to just writing papers. I found that, as a deliverable, to be much better given the technical nature of the subject matter.
-Andre McNicol
MSCIS, 2013