Master of Science degree
Cyber Security
Our cyber security degree moves you beyond state-of-the-art technology.
We were the first Michigan university to offer a master’s in cyber security, and we’re still ahead of the curve. Oakland University’s cyber security students and faculty are already working to counter tomorrow’s cyber security threats, using next-generation technology to stay one step ahead of cyber attackers. You’ll study with nationally renowned cyber security researchers on our campus, while getting hands-on experience via cyber security internships and collaborative research with corporate and government partners. Recognized by the U.S. government, our cyber security degree takes you beyond state-of-the-art tools and techniques, vaulting you to the front of the fast-growing cyber security job market.
We were the first Michigan university to offer a master’s in cyber security, and we’re still ahead of the curve. Oakland University’s cyber security students and faculty are already working to counter tomorrow’s cyber security threats, using next-generation technology to stay one step ahead of cyber attackers. You’ll study with nationally renowned cyber security researchers on our campus, while getting hands-on experience via cyber security internships and collaborative research with corporate and government partners. Recognized by the U.S. government, our cyber security degree takes you beyond state-of-the-art tools and techniques, vaulting you to the front of the fast-growing cyber security job market.
Cyber Security Degree: The Oakland University Advantage
Our pioneering cyber security degree is one reason the U.S. government designated Oakland University a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education in 2018. The recognition brings tangible benefits to master’s in cyber security students, including funds for scholarships and research.
We earned this recognition because of our cyber security program’s:
- Industry-leading research. Oakland University’s Center for Cybersecurity unites research scholars from cyber security, computer science, engineering, business, math, criminal justice, and public administration. You’ll get directly involved in groundbreaking cyber security research at the center, which is sponsored by the National Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, National Science Foundation, and other agencies.
- Exceptional faculty. Our master’s in cyber security is led by international experts who excel as educators, researchers, and professional mentors. You’ll work with the best in the business, developing relationships that maximize your expertise and broaden your career horizons.
- Professional training. You can get applied, industry-oriented cyber security training via our cyber security degree’s professional track. This optional course sequence builds cutting-edge expertise that stands out in the job market, in subjects such as mobile devices, cloud computing, wireless network security, cyber law, forensics, and information system privacy.
- University-wide commitment to cyber security. The master’s in cyber security is just one part of Oakland University’s focus on cyber security. We’re also integrating cyber security education into degrees in business, computer science, engineering, criminal justice, public administration, and health sciences. This all-encompassing commitment adds breadth to our cyber security master’s degree and increases your opportunities to explore a wide range of cyber security threats and applications.
- Community engagement. Given the ubiquity of computers and smartphones, cyber security is a societal challenge. Oakland University promotes cyber security education throughout the community. In addition to partnering with businesses and government agencies, we support efforts to develop cyber security instruction in K-12 schools, community colleges, technical training sites, and other institutions.
What can you do with a cyber security degree?
Cyber Security Careers
The cyber security job market is experiencing extraordinary growth. The U.S. Defense Department alone is expected to hire more than 50,000 cyber security experts in coming years. State and local governments will also need to beef up their cyber defenses. And that’s to say nothing of the vast demand for cyber security professionals in the corporate sector.
Our master’s in cyber security can serve as a foundation for almost any cyber security career specialty. Possibilities include:
- Network engineering
- Investigation
- Threat assessment
- Incident response
- Research
- Mobile communications
- Data encryption
Cyber Security Degree: What You’ll Study
Our master’s in cyber security totals 32 credits. Half are foundational and core courses, and the other half include electives that enable you to develop your academic and career focus. The cyber security degree includes an optional master’s thesis based on original research.
Courses and electives address cyber security concepts related to:
- Databases
- Operating systems
- Network security
- Mobile applications
- Software security
- Forensics
- Wireless communications
- Intellectual property