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Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Information Technology
Don’t just react to cyber threats – anticipate and neutralize them, setting the stage for career growth as a cybersecurity expert. With Capella’s Master of Science in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, you’ll learn to use the latest tools and strategies to help identify and mitigate security risks and design robust solutions. You’ll expand your skills in hands-on labs and gain valuable real-world experience by working on two applied IT projects, directly applying your cybersecurity knowledge.
To help you stay up to date with the latest developments in the cybersecurity landscape, we’ve created the Cybersecurity Center for IT Professionals.
At a glance
- Online
- 5 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 2 Applied IT project courses
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 cybersecurity courses
- This degree requires a total of 48 program credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, five specialization courses and one applied IT project
Show all descriptions
IAS5015
Network Security Fundamentals and Cryptography
4 quarter credits
Learners apply foundational concepts of cybersecurity and information assurance to select appropriate information security policies, procedures, and controls to defend enterprise information assets from breaches of confidentiality and integrity. Learners identify specific points of vulnerability that may be mitigated through the use of administrative security policies and operational information security tools. Learners also examine principles of cryptography and some of the security controls and methods that use it. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IAS5010 or ITEC5020.
4 quarter credits
IAS5020
Information Security Regulatory and Legal Environment
4 quarter credits
Learners apply cyber-defense and information assurance controls in context of the rules and guidelines that influence them and with an understanding of the security standards, responsibilities, rules, regulations, and issues that impact a particular organization. Learners identify laws and policies related to cyber-defense and how they relate to the storage and transmission of data. Learners also study basic concepts of audit, evidence collection, and chain of custody rules. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IAS5015.
4 quarter credits
IAS5025
Operating System Defense
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course explore the fundamental security issues related to operating system (OS) defense. Learners also employ best practices to harden operating systems and associated software applications using various tools as a part of a layered defense-in-depth strategy. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IAS5020..
4 quarter credits
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
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
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The Cybersecurity master’s specialization is designed to prepare you to manage data and information security within organization, industry, and legal parameters for technology stakeholders. Focus on developing competencies and information security knowledge and experience through practice and interaction. Apply tools, strategies, and legal and ethical considerations to mitigate risk, design solutions, and identify opportunities.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Explain information assurance and security theories, practices, and technologies
- Recommend best practices or strategies in security governance, risk management, and compliance for organizations or individuals
- Develop security solutions to address the needs of an organization or population
- Apply security tools and technologies to identify and address security problems and opportunities
- Address ethical, legal, global, and cultural factors of problem solving and cybersecurity practice at individual and organizational levels
- Communicate effectively with technology stakeholders
Program eligible for Experiential Learning
Use your experience: bring your real-world projects into the courseroom to complete assignments and demonstrate what you're learning.
How much does the MS in Information Technology 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 specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment specialist.
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).
What are the MS in Information Technology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in IT, Cybersecurity program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor's transcripts, with a 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 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.
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Building IT skills in information assurance and cybersecurity
For organizations today, consistent training and clear communication are important factors in the fight against cyberattacks.
What can you do with an MS in IT Cybersecurity 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 Technology, Cybersecurity.
Job titles to explore*
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Cybersecurity architect
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Cybersecurity manager
- Director of cybersecurity
- Information systems security officer
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Computer related services
- Computer systems design services
- Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting and related services
- Custom computer programming services
- Engineering 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.