The online M.S. in Cybersecurity program from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science takes you beyond theoretical thinking — it gives you real-world experience identifying, preventing and counteracting cybercrime through cutting-edge research, curricular innovations and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Earn your Cyber Security Master’s Degree Online with Syracuse University
The College of Engineering and Computer Science has a long and proud history of preparing students to produce practical and sustainable solutions for the most important technological, scientific, and social challenges impacting the future. In the program, you will learn from a faculty of cybersecurity specialists and professionals dedicated to your success, and graduate with a degree from an internationally recognized institution.
Online Cyber Security Curriculum
The cyber security master’s program online requires you to complete 30 total credits via live, online classes during which you will interact with faculty and peers face to face. The curriculum will prepare you to:
- Design inherently secure computer and information systems
- Apply mathematical logic for systems assurance
- Analyze and detect malware, data breaches, and other cyberattacks, and
- Detect data mining and anomalies to identify suspicious cyber behavior.
Online Cyber Security Admissions
The College of Engineering and Computer Science seeks graduate students who have a passion to protect tomorrow’s technology and are prepared to apply themselves to the rigorous program. The online master’s degree in cybersecurity is best suited for applicants that have prior demonstrated academic and/or work experience within the following prerequisite requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, cyber security (with a strong technical and math component) program or in a related field from an accredited institution, with an average GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Demonstrated core competencies in basic systems knowledge, data structures, discrete mathematics, and high-level programming (C and C++) are recommended.
- Students without a degree in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering or STEM background may receive a Conditional Admit into our program. Conditional Admit students take our free Mathematical Foundations for Engineers course. This course teaches the math skills required for our program and can be completed within 5 weeks. Upon successful completion of the course, students are then admitted into our Master of Science in Computer Cyber Security program.
To ensure that all our enrolled students are well prepared for the academic rigor of the program, we also offer two preparatory courses available for those who do not have prior demonstrated academic and/or work experience in areas such as programming, discrete math and data structure, and other key areas.
Syracuse University offers four start dates annually in January, April, July and October.
Application Requirements
Prospective students should have a strong interest in computing and computer systems, and in further developing the necessary skills to take on advanced computing and cybersecurity challenges.
The application review board takes a holistic approach when reviewing applicants. We take into consideration all facets of a student’s background including, but not limited to: undergraduate degree, mathematical competency, additional education completed, GPA, related work experience and background.
The review board looks for an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or a related STEM field with an average GPA of 3.0 or better. Some applicants also hold graduate degrees, but this is not required for admission to the program.
Application Checklist
Online application
Official transcripts
Resume
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Test scores
Application fee
Request information to learn more about the admissions process.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Financing Your Degree
When evaluating how to pay for your master’s degree, you may pursue a number of resources available to you, including tuition assistance from your employer, scholarships and student loan programs. Please note that this program does not accept outside agency tuition credits that your company may have received from Syracuse University. You may be eligible to apply for the following to assist in paying your tuition:
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans:
Students are potentially eligible to receive up to $20,500 in Direct Unsubsidized Loans per academic year, regardless of personal or spousal income.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans:
All graduate students are potentially eligible to apply for Graduate PLUS Loan funding each academic year. This credit-based loan can be used to cover tuition and fees, and could provide you with funding for living expenses up to the cost of attendance.
Private Loans:
Students who require additional assistance may apply for education loans through private lenders.
Scholarships:
Students may be eligible to apply for outside scholarships.
Veterans Benefits:
Students are eligible to explore the use of VA Education Benefits to fund their graduate program.
Employer Sponsorship:
Check with your employer’s personnel or human resources division regarding tuition sponsorship.
1. What is the Online M.S. in Cybersecurity program at Syracuse University?
The Online M.S. in Cybersecurity is a 30-credit, fully online graduate program that equips students to identify, prevent, and mitigate cyber threats. The curriculum emphasizes secure system design, malware analysis, logic-based assurance techniques, and data mining anomaly detection.
2. How long does it take to complete the program?
Students can complete the degree in as few as 15 months, depending on their course load and scheduling preferences.
3. What courses or topics are covered in the curriculum?
Coursework includes secure system design, mathematical logic for system assurance, malware analysis, anomaly detection, and core cybersecurity engineering principles. Students gain hands-on experience tackling real-world security challenges.
4. What is the learning experience like for online students?
The program features live online classes, collaborative projects, and applied assignments. Students can also access session recordings for additional flexibility, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that mirrors the on-campus experience.
5. Who teaches the online courses?
Courses are led by faculty from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, recognized for innovative research and expertise in cybersecurity and systems assurance.
6. What careers can graduates pursue with this degree?
Graduates are prepared for roles such as cybersecurity engineer, information security analyst, malware analyst, systems security architect, penetration tester, and cyber operations specialist.
7. Is the program accredited?
Yes. Syracuse University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
8. What are the admission requirements?
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, or a related technical field. A background in discrete mathematics, systems knowledge, data structures, and C/C++ programming is recommended. Applicants without a technical background may receive conditional admission and complete the Mathematical Foundations for Engineers course.
9. How much does the program cost?
According to Syracuse University’s online tuition page, tuition is charged per credit hour, and financial aid, federal aid, and employer benefits may be available. Prospective students can review current tuition rates and financing options directly at the Online Graduate Engineering Tuition & Financial Aid page.
10. What support and resources are available for online students?
Online students benefit from academic advising, faculty interaction, virtual learning tools, and access to Syracuse’s engineering community and support services.
11. Why is this program a strong long-term investment for professionals?
The program offers advanced, industry-aligned cybersecurity training from a nationally recognized engineering school. Its flexible online delivery and hands-on curriculum prepare students to meet evolving cyber threats and advance into high-impact cybersecurity roles.