A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
Network Defense
Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Lead the way in securing digital infrastructure and propel your cybersecurity career forward. In Capella’s MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Network Defense specialization, you’ll learn to safeguard information and computer systems using automated threat detection and AI to tackle complex challenges. In hands-on virtual labs, you’ll defend against security breaches in real-time and perform vulnerability assessments. The competency-based curriculum also explores the transformative role of AI in cybersecurity and builds the foundational knowledge needed to prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) exam.
At a glance
- Online
- 6 Core courses
- 5 Specialization 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.
Explore network defense courses
- This degree requires a total of 48 program credits
- You’ll need to complete six core courses, five specialization courses and one capstone
Show all descriptions
IAS5030
Identifying and Managing Risk
4 quarter credits
Learners identify common information security risk analysis methodologies, their characteristics, pros and cons, and applications. Learners examine the sources of risk, including external malicious attackers, intentional and accidental attacks by internal users, and threats from environmental and structural sources. Learners also identify vulnerabilities in hardware, software, locations, and procedures that provide an opening to attackers and create risk to organizations. Learners demonstrate risk assessment techniques through hands-on application of software vulnerability testing tools. Prerequisite(s): IAS5025.
4 quarter credits
IAS5210
Data Communications
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop and apply knowledge regarding data communication terminology, standards, different networks in data communication, security, integrity as well as privacy in and application of data communication in real-life environments. Learners analyze various innovations in data communication and develop a working knowledge of the tools and techniques used to manage data communication.
4 quarter credits
IAS5220
Network Security Controls and Testing
4 quarter credits
Learners study cryptographic algorithms, protocols, and how they protect information in various states. Learners 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, learners 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
Learners investigate abstract data types and how to address them in solving cybersecurity problems related to network design and engineering. Learners also analyze security requirements while designing network operational systems in order to gain approvals in recognition and compliance with organizational governance and processes. Finally, learners articulate how virtualization is implemented, deployed, and used, and describe the implications that interfaces between major components of virtualized systems have for security.
4 quarter credits
IAS5200
Network Architecture and Cyberoperations
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course study common security architectures to help identify potential vulnerabilities in architectures, and learn to design secure architectures. Learners identify issues related to the design and implementation of operating system concepts, components and interfaces, and design and implement significant architectural changes to an existing operating system. Learners also examine the authorities, roles, and steps associated with cyber operations, and develop a working knowledge regarding the security issues associated with building complex systems out of third-party components of unknown origin.
4 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
This specialization prepares information security professionals to assess, develop and implement solutions to safeguard information assets and enterprise IT infrastructures in organizational settings. Students examine the technical and managerial controls critical to the success of network defense, including network security controls and testing, telecommunication, cryptography, penetration testing, visualization, risk assessment and information security regulation standards.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Analyze the scope and areas of responsibility of a network defense professional
- Analyze the existing categories of network defense tools
- Apply network defense tools that will meet identified network defense needs
- Assess network defense challenges from legal and ethical perspectives
- Analyze the network defense skills necessary for an independent contractor in the network defense field
- Appraise relationships among customers, stakeholders, legal entities and sub-contractors in the network defense field
How much does the MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See 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 counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
“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.
Accreditation 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 Information Assurance and Cybersecurity admission requirements
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Network Defense 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
- A background acknowledgement form that indicates your technology degree or relevant work requirements for this program
- 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.
Job titles to explore
- Chief information officer
- Adjunct or part-time information security faculty
- Security engineer
- Information security officer
- Network engineer
- Security architect
- Security analyst
- Systems engineer
- Information security engineer
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Information assurance analyst
- Network security engineer
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to 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
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
How to choose a career in the helping profession
Assisting others as they overcome challenges brings you joy and satisfaction.
6 blogs for information technology professionals
Technology-focused blogs have become one of the easiest and most popular ways for IT professionals to find the latest in news, discussions, and analysis.
IT program guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options and explore ways to save on your degree.
What can you do with an MS in IAC Network Defense 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 Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, Network Defense.
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.