ONLINE M.S. IN CYBER SECURITY

EMBRACE WHAT’S NEXT. LEAD THE FUTURE OF CYBER DEFENSE.

New Threats Arise. We Stay Prepared.

We can’t always see cyber attacks as they happen, but they can have very real impacts on the systems we rely on. The University of Tulsa’s online M.S. in Cyber Security teaches the skills necessary to protect those systems that drive our interconnected world. Recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in cyber defense education since 2000, our cybersecurity master’s online program prepares you to speak the language of cybersecurity — with no prior IT experience required.

Not only do we teach the competencies you need to thrive in cyber defense today, we train you to adapt to the tools and technologies of tomorrow. While we can’t predict the future of cybersecurity, we can prepare you to target threats before they strike. Our accelerated program allows you to gain these skills in as little as 20 months, even while you’re working full time. And with no GRE requirements, you can jump right into your cybersecurity training.

You can help protect the digital systems that power our world. Get top training to strengthen national and global security at UTulsa.

Earn Your Master’s in Cyber Security Online at UTulsa

Whether you’re looking to level up in your organization or get your start in the cybersecurity field, UTulsa’s Online M.S. in Cyber Security prepares you to make your next move.

The M.S. in Cyber Security is available with four optional specializations in Offensive Security, Defensive Security, Leadership, or Security Economics. The program teaches cybersecurity fundamentals alongside hands-on activities with top IT tools. You’ll also engage in policy-oriented explorations of security frameworks to understand how to protect organizations from attacks.

Here are some course topics you’ll encounter in the online M.S. in Cyber Security:

  • Foundational concepts in sociotechnical system security, including malware, keylogging, and data loss

  • Non-technical considerations in cyber attacks, such as human, economic, legal, and ethical factors

  • Defensive cybersecurity technologies and their use in modern organizations

  • Fundamentals and applications of network security design and cryptography

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Skills You’ll Gain

Our Online M.S. in Cyber Security not only sharpens your technical acumen but also prepares you with the soft skills to put what you learn into practice effectively. Here are some technical and non-technical skills you’ll develop during your time in the program:

  • Network security and defense

  • Incident response and threat mitigation

  • Penetration testing and security auditing

  • Ethical decision-making

  • Security policy and governance

  • Leadership and professional communication

  • Collaboration across technical and non-technical teams

Explore Your Career Potential With an M.S. in Cyber Security

While you don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to enter our program, our graduates go on to lead cyber defense initiatives as cybersecurity analysts and information security officers, with many supporting national security in federal agencies.

Take a look at some potential careers you can pursue by pairing your professional expertise with the foundational technical skills this degree provides:*

DIRECTOR OF CYBERSECURITY

Average Annual Salary: $188,535

CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER

Average Annual Salary: $183,821

SECURITY ARCHITECT

Average Annual Salary: $149,773

CYBER SECURITY ENGINEER

Average Annual Salary: $107,576

PENETRATION TESTER

Average Annual Salary: $103,782

INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER

Average Annual Salary: $102,173

*Salary data from Payscale

Curriculum & Courses

Designed for working professionals seeking the skills to thrive in cyber defense, the 30-credit-hour online M.S. in Cyber Security program requires four core cybersecurity courses, three cybersecurity electives, and additional elective courses, which may be fulfilled through optional specializations.

To complete the program, students must complete 12 credit hours of cybersecurity core courses and 18 credit hours of electives. Students without prior experience in IT or computer science may be required to complete one or two additional introductory courses in these fields to ensure a solid foundation before the conclusion of the first semester. Students have the option to take up to 12 credits of in-person courses towards the degree.

View full curriculum details in The University of Tulsa course catalog.

Cyber Security Courses

Course Title Credits
CYB 7153 Foundations of Cyber Security 3
Choose one of the following:
CYB 6073 Cyber Defense Technology and Management
CYB 7173 Defensive Cyber Security Technologies		 3
3
CYB 7223 Network Security Concepts and Applications 3
CYB 7373 System Security and Cryptography 3

Cyber Security Specialization Courses

Specialization Required Courses Credits
Offensive Security CYB 7523 PenTest+ Prep 3
CYB 7083 Penetration Testing I 3
CYB 7163 Cyber Security Practicum 3
Elective Courses (Choose One)
CYB 6013 Web Application Security Engineering 3
CYB 6143 Software Reverse Engineering 3
CYB 6153 Incident Response 3
CYB 6203 Secure and Trustworthy AI Systems 3
CYB 6223 AI Cyber Security Applications 3
CYB 7583 Penetration Testing II 3
Defensive Security CYB 7493 Secure System Administration 3
CYB 7163 Cyber Security Practicum 3
Elective Courses (Choose Two)
CYB 6013 Web Application Security Engineering 3
CYB 6143 Software Reverse Engineering 3
CYB 6153 Incident Response 3
CYB 6203 Secure and Trustworthy AI Systems 3
CYB 6223 AI Cyber Security Applications 3
CYB 7443 Information System Assurance 3
CYB 7463 Enterprise Security Management 3
CYB 7573 CISSP Prep 3
Leadership CYB 7263 Cybersecurity Law and Policy 3
CYB 7443 Information System Assurance 3
CYB 7463 Enterprise Security Management 3
Elective Courses (Choose One)
CYB 7143 Security Economics 3
CYB 7193 Blockchain Fintech Sec 3
CYB 6203 Secure and Trustworthy AI Systems 3
CYB 6223 AI Cyber Security Applications 3
CYB 7573 CISSP Prep 3
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Since 2000, The University of Tulsa has been designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The MS in Cybersecurity curriculum has been validated as an approved Program of Study for the CAE-CD program, so the curriculum covers all the essential topics necessary to pursue a career in cyber defense.

Cybersecurity Testimonial

“We’re not gonna tell you how to do something … You’re gonna figure out why you need to set it up that way. And based on when you understand why, then you can figure out how to do it and apply that knowledge regardless of where you’re at.”

– Nathan Singleton, Senior Cybersecurity Consultant, Guernsey; UTulsa Alumnus

Tuition and Financial Aid

$884 PER CREDIT HOUR
30 CREDIT HOURS*
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE

Are you ready to invest in your future at UTulsa? Our online M.S. in Cyber Security teaches you the future-ready skills to thrive in your career for years to come. The degree is competitively priced at $884 per credit hour, for a total tuition cost of $26,520. Some elective courses have course fees that cover prep materials for CompTIA Pentest+ and Security+ exams, Offensive Security PEN-200, and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

*Please note that students without prior experience in IT or computer science may be required to complete one or two additional introductory courses before the conclusion of the first semester.

Learn More
Testimonial Cybersecurity

“We train individuals who can walk into any organization, understand its policies and frameworks, and identify how to improve them. We aren’t training people to be button-pushers. Cybersecurity professionals need the knowledge and skills to adapt to new tools and technologies.”

– Tyler Moore, PhD

Tandy Professor of Cyber Security, Professor of Cyber Studies and Computer Science; Department Head, School of Cyber Studies

INDUSTRY-RELEVANT INSTRUCTION

Faculty regularly update the curriculum in response to industry updates — even on a week-to-week basis.

Immersive Learning
IMMERSIVE LEARNING

Through virtual labs, hands-on activities, project-based assignments, and virtual meetings to discuss key concepts with instructors, you’ll learn the skills to be a confident, well-rounded leader in cybersecurity.

Interdisciplinary Faculty
INTERDISCIPLINARY FACULTY

Our field-experienced faculty members possess a wide range of expertise in areas such as fintech, critical infrastructure protection, blockchain, and ethics, helping to produce versatile graduates.

CERTIFICATION PREPARATION

Coursework prepares you for certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP/PEN-200), and CompTIA Security+/PenTest+.

ENDORSED EXCELLENCE

UTulsa is recognized by the National Security Administration (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a Center of Academic Excellence in Research and Cyber Defense Education.

The next class start date is August 24, 2026.
Be sure to submit your application by August 10, 2026!

Flexible and Accelerated

Our 100% online M.S. in Cyber Security was built for the working professional — allowing you to complete your degree at your own pace as you expand your skills and knowledge. If you’re eager to expedite your path to make a measured impact in the field, the program can be completed in as few as 20 months.

Apply Now
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What You Need for Admission

The University of Tulsa is home to ambitious learners of diverse backgrounds and experiences who seek impactful roles as leaders and innovators. Please review the following requirements for admission to the online M.S. in Cyber Security.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS*

  • Completed application for admission

  • Unofficial college transcripts from all institutions attended

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

  • Highly recommended that the applicant meet one of the four criteria:

    • 3+ years of IT-related work experience

    • 1+ year of cybersecurity work

    • A graduate degree in any field

    • Completion of certain certifications, speak with an enrollment advisor for more information

  • At least nine hours of mathematics and statistics at the level of calculus and above

  • NO GRE REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cybersecurity a Good Career?

Cybersecurity can be a very secure and lucrative career. These roles will likely be in high demand in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts had an average starting salary of $124,910 in 2024, and employment for cybersecurity professionals is projected to grow 29% between 2024 and 2034 — almost 10 times the national average.

What Do Cybersecurity Professionals Do?

While their responsibilities vary, cybersecurity professionals protect digital assets and information from threats. Day to day, this could mean monitoring network traffic, investigating potential breaches, running tests and audits, and configuring intrusion detection and protection systems.

What Certifications Can UTulsa Prepare Me For?

Coursework in the online cybersecurity master’s program can prepare you for several industry certifications. These include CompTIA credentials Security+ and PenTest+, Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP/PEN-200). You’ll also graduate with the skills and knowledge to pursue other relevant certifications, if you choose.

About Tu Alt

About The University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa was one of the first 14 institutions nationwide to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency in 2000. Today, UTulsa’s School of Cyber Studies is the nation’s first and only dedicated cyber department offering B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.-level degrees. Our mission to boost general fluency in cyber defense is as pertinent as ever, and we’re eager to share the program’s impact with a cohort of online learners across the United States.

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