Grow in the World of Cybersecurity

The online Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a program consisting of 30 credit hours, which can be finished in one year by proficient students. This program is intended to assist both individuals seeking to advance their careers and those looking for a transition into the field of Cybersecurity.

The program's structure features all courses scheduled in 7-week sessions, providing students with the flexibility to take two classes concurrently, ultimately completing the program in 5 sessions.

Important Policies to Know

KSU holds graduate students to a high standard. All KSU Academic Policies can be found in the KSU Graduate Student Catalog.

Below are some of the GPA requirements we like to highlight with our students:

  • To remain in Good Standing, you must maintain a 3.0+ GPA.
  • If you fall below a 3.0 GPA, you will be placed on Academic Probation.
  • While on probation, you can be Academically Dismissed if:
    • You earn a SEMESTER GPA below 3.0.
    • You do not achieve a CUMULATIVE GPA of 3.0 after two semesters.

You can only repeat two classes throughout your entire time in the program. Grades for repeated courses do not replace grades already received. This means grades for every attempt at a course are calculated into your GPA.

Program Requirements 

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months. Check out the KSU Graduate Catalog for specific information regarding admission requirements, enrollment, graduation policies, program course requirements, and in-depth course descriptions to help you plan out your program path.

Learn More

Foundation Prerequisites

Students who have not taken the following subjects as part of another degree program must complete these three courses.  If a student has received credit for one or more of these courses, they may begin taking the 7000-level courses for which they meet the prerequisites.

  • Programming Principles: In this course, students analyze and formulate software solutions appropriate for a business organization. Topics may include foundational program constructs, requirement analysis, and software design & development.

  • Computing Infrastructure: Provides an overview of computer organization, architecture and operating systems. Topics include computer infrastructure, operating systems fundamentals, and system management.

  • Data Communications and Networking: Provides an overview of computer networks. Topics include network technologies, protocols, and traffic analysis.

Become a Student

Master's in Cybersecurity Application and Document Deadlines

Kennesaw State University's master's in cybersecurity program is currently accepting applications for Fall and Spring terms with the following deadlines:

  • Fall - July 1
  • Spring - November 1
  • Summer – April 1

A list of available start terms and document deadlines is available on the Graduate Program Dates and Deadlines. Please note that you must complete your application and send all required credentials by the posted deadline.

Completed applications are reviewed weekly and should result in a decision within two weeks.

Admission Requirements

  • Online Graduate Application - There is a non-refundable $60 application fee.
  • Transcripts - Official transcripts from EACH College and/or University you have attended.  Must be in a sealed envelope from the institution or sent electronically from the institution directly to our KSU Graduate College email.
  • Resume/Vita - Upload into the online application.  Clearly indicate any professional certifications and a detailed educational background.  
  • Minimum Undergraduate GPA - 2.75*, with professional growth plan required for exceptional applicants not meeting minimum GPA
  • Optional:
    • Statement of Purpose - Upload into the online application. Describe in 2 pages or less why you want to enroll in the MS Cybersecurity and what you plan to do with the information you learn.
    • (2) Letters of Recommendation - Send with the online application.

International Students requiring an F-1, J-1, H1-B, or Permanent Resident Alien (Green Card Holder) must follow these steps below.

  • Complete Online Graduate Application for Admission to KSU.
  • Pay non-refundable $60 application processing fee, payable to Kennesaw State University.

  • Transcripts must be evaluated by one of the following agencies:

    1. Evaluations must come from either an AICE or NACES accredited evaluation service.

    2. Evaluations must include course-by-course and a calculation of your GPA. The evaluation must come to us in a sealed envelope or sent electronically directly from the agency.

  • Test of English Proficiency:

    1. Applicants from the following countries are exempt from the English Language Proficiency requirement: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, New
      Zealand, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tobago, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States or Zimbabwe.

    2. Applicants who have graduated from a college or university in the United States accredited in a manner accepted by Kennesaw State University are exempt from the English Language Proficiency requirement.

    3. Applicants not exempt by A or B above can take either of the following tests:
      1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Minimum required score: Internet version (iBT) - 80.

      2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)* Minimum required score: 6.5.
  • Additional documents as required by the specific program you are applying to.

    IMPORTANT: Online programs are NOT eligible for F-1 Student Visa so be sure to select the on-campus modality

Conditional Admission to the Program

Students who do not meet the admission requirements for the program based on prior course work can be conditionally admitted. A conditionally admitted student will be assigned pre-program modules or classes to complete within the College of Graduate and Professional Educationor the College of Computer Software and Engineering. Your admission letter will tell you which modules/classes to take.

See the KSU Graduate Catalog for specific information about the individual course modules, admission requirements, enrollment, and graduation policies. 

Change of Graduate Major 

If you have already been accepted to a graduate program at KSU and wish to pursue a graduate degree in cybersecurity, you don't have to re-apply!

  1. Go to the Graduate Student Forms.
  2. Download the Request for Change of Major to MS in Cybersecurity ONLY fillable PDF form and complete the top portion. 
  3. When complete, save and email to KSU Graduate College Forms. Your request will be evaluated by the MS Cybersecurity admissions team.
Apply Now Information Session

Tuition and Fees

The MS Cybersecurity program is now available both online and in-person. As a result, MS-CYBR students can choose their preferred mode of study. For online students, the E-Tuition rate is the same for Georgia residents and out-of-state students. For that rate, visit the Tuition and Fees page linked below.

For on-campus or international students, please refer to the tuition rates specific to the program format and residency status. 
Tuition and Fees Cost of Attendance

Personal Computer Hardware Recommendation

Windows-based machines are generally recommended, however MacOS/iOS/Linux machines may be used successfully in many cases. Many courses will assume that the student operates from a current-generation Windows-based desktop or laptop computer and will provide instruction for student work using tutorials and instructions written for Windows. Some courses may offer alternatives with similar software for iOS and Linux distribution systems.

The recommendation is for a Windows 10 Professional OS running with:

  • Intel i7 (preferred) or i5 processor
  • 16-32 GB (or more) of RAM
  • 1 TB (or more) storage (HDD or SSD)
  • stable and reliable Internet connectivity

Required Courses

Visit our KSU Graduate Catalog for a list of all courses that are required for the program. A description, including the topics covered, is provided for each course. 

Capstone Course

Students must select ONE of these capstones: Cybersecurity Practicum or Cybersecurity Management. Visit the KSU Graduate Catalog for a description of each capstone option. 

Forward Planning Schedule

7-WEEK I (AUG-OCT)

  • CYBR 7000
  • CYBR 7050
  • CYBR 7200
  • CYBR 7220
  • CYBR 7240
  • CYBR 7350

7-WEEK II (OCT-DEC) 

  • CYBR 7100
  • CYBR 7300
  • CYBR 7400
  • CYBR 7910
  • CYBR 7930

7-WEEK I (JAN-MAR)

  • CYBR 7000
  • CYBR 7200
  • CYBR 7220
  • CYBR 7350
  • CYBR 7400

7-WEEK II (MAR-MAY)

  • CYBR 7050
  • CYBR 7100
  • CYBR 7240
  • CYBR 7300
  • CYBR 7910
  • CYBR 7930

8-WEEK

  • CYBR 7000*
  • CYBR 7050*
  • CYBR 7220
  • CYBR 7350
  • CYBR 7400
  • CYBR 7910
  • CYBR 7930

* May be offered depending on faculty availability. Summer offerings are limited, please plan accordingly.

Plans of Study

Plans of Study Example Course Sequence Example

MS-CYBR Double Owl Programs

KSU offers the Double Owl Pathway which allows undergraduate students to take graduate-level courses that will count in both their undergraduate degree and in a graduate degree at Kennesaw State University.

Current KSU students interested in the MS in Cybersecurity degree may have an option to consider for a Double Owl pathway, including these:

Learn More

Schedule an Advising Appointment

For MS Cybersecurity advising, schedule an appointment with Gina Gavin in the Institute for Cybersecurity Workforce Development. 

Schedule An Appointment

You can alternatively email Gina Gavin, or call the program office at (470) 578-7866.

Program Contact Information

Email the Program Email Gina Gavin