CYBER SECURITY
MASTER OF SCIENCE

Prepare for in-demand jobs in cybersecurity with the Master of Science in Cyber Security at Mercyhurst University. 

As the world has become more connected, cybercrime has risen exponentially. The demand for cybersecurity professionals has never been higher — and it’s only going up. In fact, there’s a projected shortage of hundreds of thousands of qualified candidates for cybersecurity jobs in the coming years. 

As an international leader in applied intelligence and cyber education, Mercyhurst University offers an online or on-campus cybersecurity master’s program that will prepare you for these roles, even if you have no prior experience in computer science. 

When you study cybersecurity at Mercyhurst, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your career, including Cloud Security Skills, Web Security Skills, Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Skills, and how to evaluate the legal, regulatory, and ethical issues related to cybersecurity and privacy, as well as how to effectively communicate complex cybersecurity information.

Cyber Security Master’s Program Overview

  • Location(s): Online or On Campus
  • Credits: 36
  • Duration: Minimum 24 months
  • Cost: $1,026 per credit; $39,000 total
  • Deadline: Rolling admissions
  • Start term(s): Fall or Spring semester

As new threats and technologies have emerged, Mercyhurst has invested heavily in both data science and cybersecurity with the development of new master’s programs. Drawing on the diverse learning resources and experienced faculty of the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences, home to our world-renowned applied intelligence studies department, these programs harness our national security bona fides to offer unparalleled instruction in some of today’s most dynamic fields.

2-Year Degree Program

Small Class Sizes

100% Online or On Campus

A Leader in Cybersecurity Education

Benefit from the diverse learning resources and experienced faculty of the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences, home to our world-renowned applied intelligence studies department. Our cybersecurity master’s program engages national security experts and professionals to offer unparalleled instruction in some of today’s most dynamic fields.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll gain a competitive edge that will put you in high demand in the marketplace when you study cybersecurity at Mercyhurst. When you finish the cybersecurity program, you’ll be able to:

  • Analyze various cyberthreats to individuals and organizations 
  • Perform risk management for organizations
  • Recognize different risks that threaten an organization’s business and make recommendations on how to manage those threats
  • Evaluate the United States and international legal, regulatory, policy, and ethical issues involved in cybersecurity

Career Outlook in Cybersecurity

As a graduate of our master’s in cybersecurity program, you’ll be in high demand for jobs across a wide range of industries, including banking, finance, insurance, as well as many government agencies. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing professions with an expected 31% increase in jobs through 2029, well above the national average of 4% for all jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective applicants for the Master of Science in Cyber Security must fulfill the following admission requirements. At the discretion of the director of the Cyber Security graduate program, acceptance may be granted to applicants who have not fulfilled all the admission requirements provided they agree to the conditions of the acceptance prescribed by the director.

Admission decisions are made by the program director on a rolling basis after a holistic review. Applicants can choose to start in either the Fall (preferred) or Spring semester.

  • Completed (free) online application 
  • A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited school with a preferred overall minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended 
  • A current resume 
  • A 500- to 750-word personal statement outlining your reasons for enrolling and personal and professional goals
  • A letter of recommendation (1) from a professional or academic source (ex. employer or professor)
  • International applicants whose records are written in a language other than English must have their documents translated into English and a notarized statement attesting to the accuracy of the translations
  • International applicants whose primary language is not English must attain a TOEFL score of at least 79 on the internet-based exam OR an IELTS score of at least 6.5 OR a Duolingo English Test score of no less than 100.

Ready to get started on your master’s in cybersecurity?

Mercyhurst’s Master of Science in Cyber Security will prepare you to advance in your career or start an entirely new one within the rapidly growing cyber professions spanning most industries.

Apply Today

If you’re ready to get started on the Cyber Security master’s program at Mercyhurst University, complete your free online application today.

Explore Financial Aid

Mercyhurst’s Cyber Security master’s program is affordable with competitive per-credit costs. Visit our Graduate Cost and Financial Aid webpage or contact us at grad@mercyhurst.edu or 814-824-3351.

Request More Information

If you need more information about our master’s in cybersecurity program, complete this brief form and we’ll be in touch to ensure you have what you need to make a well-informed decision.


Contact Us

Chad Redmond, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Computing and Information Science
Office: Library 408A
Phone: 814-824-2355
Email: credmond@mercyhurst.edu

Colleen Hordych
Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions
Phone: 814-824-2297
Email: chordych@mercyhurst.edu