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NSU B.S. in Computer Science Graduate
Nova Southeastern University's (NSU) Master of Science (M.S.) in Cyber Defense prepares you for advanced cybersecurity roles focused on protecting critical systems, networks, and information assets. Develop expertise in threat detection, incident response, security architecture, risk management, and infrastructure protection while gaining the skills employers value most.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earn a median annual salary of $124,910, and employment is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations. As cyber threats continue to increase in frequency and complexity, organizations across every industry are investing in professionals who can strengthen defenses and manage risk.
Graduates of NSU's program are prepared for careers such as:
- Cyber Defense Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Information Systems Security Officer
- Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
- Security Architect
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Through a hands-on, industry-aligned curriculum, you'll learn to identify vulnerabilities, investigate and contain threats, design resilient systems, and safeguard critical information assets. The result is a strong foundation for advancement in a field that offers global opportunities, long-term growth, and strong earning potential.
Build the expertise to protect what matters most—and position yourself for the next step in your career.
Quick Facts
Curriculum
Start Dates
Delivery Options
Tuition
Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
Why Earn Your M.S. in Cyber Defense at NSU?
Fast Track
Advance your future with new 8-week courses and complete your degree in 1 year.
Stem Designation
An integrated approach to learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering
and mathematics.
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) - Cyber Defense (CD)
Designated since 2005
Center for Information Protection, Education, and Research (CIPHER)
NSU hosts the nationally and internationally recognized CIPhER as a leader in cybersecurity
education, as well as an innovation center in the research and development of solutions
to real-world cybersecurity problems
Cybersecurity Designations
NSU's M.S. Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity program is validated by the NSA as a designated Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity (AICyber) Program of Study, and the M.S. Cyber Defense and M.S. Cybersecurity Management programs are validated by the NSA as designated Cyber Defense (CD) Programs of Study.
NSU’s Ph.D. Computer Science, Ph.D. Cybersecurity Management, and Ph.D. Information Systems programs are validated by the NSA under the CAE-R designation.
Did You Know?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts earned
an average of $99,730 per year in 2019, and job growth in this field is expected to
grow 32% from 2018 to 2028.
Learning Outcomes
A graduate with an M.S. in Cyber Defense will have the ability to:
- Describe the primary types of access control and the potential applications of each type
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts, technologies, and challenges of telecommunications and network security
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of information security governance and risk management, including current best practices in business continuity and disaster recovery planning
- Describe the components of effective security architecture and the various security models that can be used in the design of secure architectures
- Possess an understanding of the major cryptographic algorithms used in information security and how each can be effectively integrated into a secure information infrastructure
- Understand the common techniques to achieve effective physical security of protected information systems
M.S. in Cyber Defense Curriculum Program Sheet (PDF)
Prerequisite Courses*
Credits
(MSIT 501
Foundations of Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms
/Credits: 3)
(CISC 501
Computer Organization and Architecture
/Credits: 3)
(CISC 502
Mathematics in Computing
/Credits: 3)
(CISC 503
Data Structures and Algorithms
/Credits: 3)
Core Courses (30 credits)
Credits
(CISC 640
Operating Systems
/Credits: 3)
(CISC 650
Computer Networks
/Credits: 3)
(CISC 680
Software Engineering
/Credits: 3)
(ISEC 615
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
/Credits: 3)
(ISEC 620
Applied Cryptography
/Credits: 3)
(ISEC 640
Database Security
/Credits: 3)
(ISEC 650
Computer and Network Forensics
/Credits: 3)
(ISEC 660
Advanced Network Security
/Credits: 3)
(ISEC 690
Information Security Project
/Credits: 3)
(MSIT 630
Database Systems
/Credits: 3)
*Applicants who do not have adequate academic backgrounds may be required to take one or more of the 500-level graduate prerequisite courses during the first two terms of the program.
Students who wish to take an elective (above the 10 required courses) must request approval from the program office before registration.
Courses at the 500 level, when required, must be completed prior to taking courses at the 600 level. All 500-level courses must be completed with a grade of ‘B’ or higher to continue in the information assurance and cybersecurity program.
For a full list of all course descriptions, visit coursewizard.nova.edu.
Which Cybersecurity Degree is Right for Me?
M.S. in Cyber Defense
The Master of Science in Cyber Defense degree program is designed for someone who
wants to focus on Network Security Engineering by obtaining the necessary skills and
abilities for the design of secure network infrastructures and security analysis of
network traffic.
Cybersecurity Management
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management degree program is designed for individuals
who want to focus on Security Policy Development and Compliance by obtaining the necessary
skills and abilities for the development of organizational policies related to information
assurance/cyber defense and the analysis of operational systems for compliance with
applicable IA/CD-related laws and policies.
Catalina Bolaños Sippli
IT Consultant
NSU M.S. in Management Information Systems Graduate
Rita Barrios
Adjunct Professor, Cybersecurity & Information Systems
NSU Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Management Graduate
Cybersecurity Management
Develop and enforce security policies, track compliance, and lead strategies to protect
digital assets. Gain expertise in identifying risks and safeguarding information.
Computer Science
Learn the theory of programming languages, design and analysis of algorithms, operating
systems, database management systems, and software engineering.
The College of Computing, AI, and Cybersecurity graduate enrollment office is located on the fourth floor in the Carl DeSantis Building on NSU's Fort Lauderdale-Davie campus in Davie, Florida. Click here for a map.
Phone: (800) 541-6682 or Toll-Free: 800-986-2247 x22031
Email: computing@nova.edu
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.