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DevOps Engineer 2
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
- Cybersecurity & Network Security Focus
- 30 Credits (10 Courses)
- Complete in as Little as One Year
Start Dates
- 3 Intakes Per Year
- August (Fall), January (Winter), May (Summer)
Delivery Format
- 100% Online or On-Campus
- Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus
Tuition
- $29,670 Estimated Total Tuition
- $989 Per Credit Hour
- Graduate Tuition Rate Applies to All Students
Admissions
- Bachelor's Degree Required
- STEM or Technical Field Preferred
- No GRE/GMAT Required
STEM Designation
- STEM-Designated Master's Degree
- Cyber Defense, Cryptography, and Network Security
Program Recognition
NSU's M.S. Cyber Defense and is an NSA-Validated Cyber Defense (CD) Program of Study and is supported by NSU's designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-C), a recognition held since 2005 that reflects the university's longstanding commitment to cybersecurity education, cyber defense workforce development, and security operations training.
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
The M.S. in Cyber Defense is ideal for students and professionals who want to develop advanced expertise in protecting networks, systems, and critical information assets from cyber threats. The program is well suited for individuals seeking careers in cybersecurity operations, threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and cyber defense leadership.
NSU's M.S. in Cyber Defense focuses on the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to identify vulnerabilities, investigate and contain threats, design secure systems, and protect critical infrastructure. The program is validated by the NSA as a designated Cyber Defense (CD) Program of Study, recognizing its alignment with national standards for cybersecurity education and workforce development.
The M.S. in Cyber Defense is designed for students with undergraduate backgrounds in computer science, information systems, information technology, engineering, mathematics, or physics. A strong foundation in data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, programming in a modern high-level language, and discrete mathematics is recommended for success in the program.
Yes. The program culminates in ISEC 690: Cyber Defense Project, giving students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the curriculum to a real-world challenge. Students who choose the thesis option may replace the capstone course with two thesis courses, subject to program office approval.
A master's degree in cyber defense can prepare graduates for advanced cybersecurity roles focused on protecting systems, networks, and information assets. Career opportunities may include cyber defense analyst, incident responder, information systems security officer, vulnerability assessment analyst, security architect, and chief information security officer (CISO). Graduates may work across industries including technology, healthcare, finance, government, and defense.
The M.S. in Cyber Defense focuses on the technical aspects of cybersecurity, including threat detection, incident response, network security, vulnerability assessment, and infrastructure protection. The M.S. in Cybersecurity Management emphasizes cybersecurity governance, risk management, compliance, information assurance, and organizational leadership. Students interested in hands-on technical cybersecurity roles may find Cyber Defense to be the better fit, while those seeking management and leadership positions may prefer Cybersecurity Management.
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.