MS in Cybersecurity
The MS in Cybersecurity will equip you to manage ongoing information security risks as you tackle digital threats to key pillars of our society — government, health, finance, logistics, defense, industry, and more. You’ll build a foundation in cyberlaw, forensics, criminology, and risk management alongside technical skills in computer systems, internet security, and cloud computing as you prepare for a successful future in this increasingly important field.
Program highlights
Locations
Boston, Arlington (admit varies by location)
Credit hours
32 total semester hours required
Schedule
Core courses: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program modality
In person or online
Take your career to the next level
Career prospects: A wealth of opportunities
Cybersecurity experts are in high demand nationally and internationally, with the employment growth rate for information security analysts growing four times faster than the average of all other occupations. Our graduates work at Amazon/AWS, Akamai, Google, Raytheon, Wayfair, Fidelity, MITRE, the US Navy and US Air Force, and more in careers that include:
- Application security
- Security analyst
- Chief information security officer
- Cybersecurity compliance officer
- Cyber risk analyst
- Cloud security engineer
- Systems administrator
Co-ops and internships: Rated #1
Through our renowned co-op program (ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report), you’ll have opportunities to apply your skills and knowledge in industry settings while you build invaluable connections. You can also complete a capstone project for a company like Rapid 7, MITRE, Mass General Brigham, Fidelity, or Raytheon.
Research opportunities: Pursue your passion
You’ll collaborate with leading researchers at top-tier facilities, exploring big questions and playing an important role in the discoveries of tomorrow. Whether you’re interested in a research career, applying to PhD programs, or simply building your expertise through hands-on experience, our diverse range of research projects will give you opportunities to make meaningful contributions.
Nationally recognized program
Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Operations by the Department of Defense and National Security Agency, Northeastern offers one of the best cybersecurity programs available with courses taught by world-class faculty who lead across all aspects of the field. It is also one of 13 nationwide Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY Scholars).
Learning outcomes
The MS in Cybersecurity will prepare you to:
- Analyze cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and risks that affect information systems, as well as anticipate potential new challenges in these areas.
- Plan and implement techniques and strategies to prevent, protect, and mitigate cyber risks of computer information systems, including IoT, mobile, and cloud.
- Assist in the implementation of security plans for organizations in consideration of the proper risk analysis, required countermeasures, ethical issues, and ensuring compliance with laws, standards, and industry guidelines.
- Explain and prioritize needs to maintain an effective organizational cybersecurity policy and assist in the elaboration and implementation of comprehensive incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans.
- Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with corporate management on cyber-related issues.
Technical and contextual tracks
The MS in Cybersecurity program prepares you for a key information security position in either a technical or management role. There are options for students with a strong foundation in computer science as well as those with more contextual knowledge, such as military, health, finance, government, and more. You will take courses across both tracks and then choose to deepen your expertise in either the technical track or contextual track, depending on your interests.
Khoury Statistics
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$120K: median salary, information security analysts*
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+18% higher salary for MS prepared graduates vs. BS prepared
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100% of graduates have found employment in their field
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3.5M job openings in cybersecurity expected by 2025
Campus locations
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Arlington
The tech hub of the National Capital Region, Arlington offers rich opportunities with thriving companies such as Amazon and Microsoft.
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Boston
Located in the heart of Boston, Northeastern’s oldest campus is home to a vibrant community of students, researchers, and faculty working across disciplines to build a better world through CS.
Applications and admissions
How to apply
Our Master’s Apply page has everything you need to know about applying to the MS in Cybersecurity program at Khoury College, including:
- Master’s admissions requirements
- Program specific admissions requirements
- Timelines and deadlines
- Resources and contact information
Financial support
Pursuing a master’s degree is a significant investment in your future. Northeastern University and Khoury College of Computer Sciences are here to help support you in this process. From financial aid to scholarship opportunities to co-op placements and teaching assistantships, there are multiple options to help fund your degree as you work towards your goals.
Degree costs
Visit Student Financial Services for current tuition and fee information, and to find tools and calculators to help you estimate what your degree (32 credit hours) will cost.
Deadlines
Domestic
Fall semester: August 1
Spring semester: December 1
International
Fall semester: April 15
Spring semester: September 15
Meet our faculty
Get to know the engaged, experienced professors who are here to support you every step of the way.
Cristina Nita-Rotaru
Cristina Nita-Rotaru is a professor at Khoury College and a founding member of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute. In her research, she designs and builds secure, resilient distributed systems and network protocols.
No tech background? Check out the Align program
If you don’t have a background in computer science, then the Align MS in Computer Science might be for you. This program offers a direct path to a master’s degree — no prior tech experience required.
Institutes and Centers
Our renowned Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute and state-of-the-art Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex bring together leading researchers, industry and government partners, and universities from around the world.
Related programs
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MS in Computer Science
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MS in Artificial Intelligence
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MS in Data Science
Our interdisciplinary MS in Data Science will equip you with expertise and tools to address the unique challenges of our increasingly data-driven society.
*2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Have questions?
Find answers in our FAQ, or complete this form to learn more about the MS in Cybersecurity program. One of our enrollment counselors will contact you soon.