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Cybersecurity and Applied AI
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Applied AI
Learn to lead in today’s rapidly evolving digital security landscape. In Capella’s MS in Cybersecurity and Applied AI, you’ll integrate foundational cybersecurity principles with practical, AI-driven techniques as you apply intelligent tools to defend systems, analyze emerging threats and design automated security solutions. Hands-on virtual labs immerse you in real-world scenarios where you actively apply both cybersecurity concepts and AI to solve complex security challenges. The competency-based curriculum builds the foundational knowledge needed to prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) exam.
At a glance
- Online
- 11 Core courses
- Capstone
Reduce your tuition up to $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply.
Explore cybersecurity and applied AI courses
- This degree requires a total of 48 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete 11 core courses and one capstone
Show all descriptions
IAS5201
Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity
4 quarter credits
Students explore how artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities can be used by a cybersecurity team to improve their security process operations. Students take a practitioner focus on how the capabilities can be leveraged. Students present an overview of AI concepts and uses and study various use cases on automating aspects of security processes such as threat intelligence, malware detection, and network security. Other topics include protecting the models themselves, ethical considerations, and emerging trends in AI as they relate to cybersecurity.
4 quarter credits
IAS5211
Mobile and Wireless Network Architecture and Security
4 quarter credits
In this course, students gain an understanding of core concepts, technologies, components, and security issues related to mobile and wireless networks. Students also evaluate approaches to digital communication and analyze how mobile systems operate to facilitate secure access and voice. Finally, students examine wireless and mobile network principles, architectures, and protocols.
4 quarter credits
IAS5220
Network Security Controls and Testing
4 quarter credits
Students analyze cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and how they protect information in various states. Students apply methodology to detect, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities and threats within a network environment, and examine the latest network technologies and security issues involved in network communications. Finally, students identify and demonstrate ways of exploiting vulnerabilities to gain access to a system through penetration testing and network forensics techniques.
4 quarter credits
IAS5230
Secure Network Design and Engineering
4 quarter credits
Students investigate abstract data types and how to apply them when solving cybersecurity problems in network design and engineering. They analyze security requirements in networked operational systems and evaluate designs for compliance with organizational governance and approval processes. Students also examine how virtualization and network architectures are implemented, deployed, and secured, including how interfaces between major virtualized components affect system risk. Also, students integrate AI tools and methods to automate analysis, enhance security operations, and support decision-making in network architecture and design.
4 quarter credits
IAS5130
Programming for Security Professionals
4 quarter credits
Students in this course examine core programming concepts such as variables, iteration structures, decision structures, data structures (such as arrays), and how to combine these core concepts to write simple scripts and programs. Additionally, students apply secure coding practices using C and the Python scripting language in their associated integrated development environments. In working with the C language, students apply defensive coding practices designed to prevent many security vulnerabilities. Using Python, students write scripts that perform important network administration tasks such as monitoring network traffic.
4 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
This specialization helps prepare students to apply AI for threat detection, anomaly analysis and proactive modeling to stay ahead of cyber adversaries. Courses incorporate leading AI tools and techniques to build expertise in areas like threat modeling and digital forensics. Students engage in labs, simulations and real-world scenarios that mirror today’s cybersecurity challenges.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply foundational principles of information assurance and cybersecurity to protect organizational systems and data
- Develop solutions, including artificial intelligence solutions, to strengthen cybersecurity operations such as threat detection, incident response and malware analysis
- Implement advanced network defense tools and strategies, including AI-driven technologies, to address evolving cyber threats
- Evaluate cybersecurity challenges through legal, ethical and professional perspectives to promote responsible practices
- Integrate technical and business approaches to deliver scalable cybersecurity solutions for organizations of all sizes
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders to support cybersecurity objectives across diverse professional environments
How much does the MS in Cybersecurity and Applied AI cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, scholarships and other factors. See the GuidedPath cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $735 per credit
- $175 resource kit
- 48 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
$35,280*
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 27 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment specialist.
“Working full time as a Network Technician meant I needed to take classes at times that would work for me. Capella checked off all the boxes! The flexibility was outstanding.”
Will Resendes* – BS IT
*Actual Capella student who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditations and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University has been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD).
MS in Cybersecurity and Applied AI admission requirements
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Cybersecurity and Applied AI must provide the following information for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to help meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
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IT Program Guide
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What can you do with an MS in Cybersecurity and Applied AI degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Cybersecurity and Applied AI.
Job titles to explore*
- Computer network defense analyst
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Cybersecurity specialist
Employment settings to explore*
- Computer systems design services
- Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting and related services
- Engineering services
- National security
- Professional, scientific and technical services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.