Cybersecurity, M.S.
The Master of Science in cybersecurity is designed to help computing professionals expand their knowledge in the cybersecurity area, creating opportunities for advancement in the field. It will build skills to recognize, prepare for, defend against, and investigate current and future threats.
Visit the program website for more information.
Listen to Podcast
Program Overview
The cybersecurity program contains broad coverage of the discipline, preparing students to address a wide variety of issues across an organization. Theoretical concepts are complemented by hands-on application throughout the program. All students will complete a Capstone experience consisting of either a thesis or an applied project.
Why Study Cybersecurity at Grand Valley?
- Theoretical foundation and practical experience offer excellent preparation for the job market, along with valuable industry experience.
- By focusing on the underlying principles behind cybersecurity, our program prepares students to handle future cybersecurity challenges in addition to today's threats.
- This program is designed to be convenient for working professionals, with classes offered in evenings or online.
- All graduate faculty members are experts in the field, holding
doctorate degrees.
- Opportunities for collaboration with faculty members conducting ongoing research.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Classes for the program are a combination of online and in-seat on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:Coursework
The curriculum covers a breadth of cybersecurity related topics:
- Cryptography
- Data analysis
- Network security
- Security policy
- Threat modeling
- Cyber-forensics
- Legal/ethical issues
- Secure software
- Systems security
Application Deadline
Fall semester deadline for international students is July 1, August 1 for domestic; November 1 for winter semester; and April 1 for spring/summer. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the university requirements of admission, all students seeking a degree for the M.S. in cybersecurity must also meet the following requirements:
- Grade point average of 3.0 (B) from all undergraduate coursework or a satisfactory score on the GRE or GMAT test. Must submit an official transcript from your baccalaureate degree granting institution
- Resume detailing work experiences and accomplishments
- Personal statement of career goals and background experiences, including an explanation of how this program will help achieve educational and professional objectives
- Recommendations: Two professional or academic recommendations received online, addressing the candidate's potential for graduate study completion. You will provide the emails of two references in your account at gvsu.edu/gradapply, and they will be sent a link to fill out for their online recommendation
Admission to the M.S. in cybersecurity status may be full or conditional; conditional admission may be granted to applicants with deficiencies in their background. Candidates without sufficient relevant background experience may satisfy any deficiency with appropriate graduate or undergraduate courses, as recommended by a faculty advisor in the program and approved by the cybersecurity program director.
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Computing
gvsu.edu/computing
C-2-100
Mackinac Hall
(616) 331-2060
Program Director
Andrew Kalafut, Ph.D.
(616) 331-2309
ARE YOU A GVSU ALUM?
When you became a Laker, you opened up a lifetime of learning, and now alumni like you can use your Laker Lifetime Learning (L3) account for classes that provide greater knowledge and new skills. Your account is waiting for you to use for future classes at GVSU. All you have to do is click on the button below to find out more.
Find Out More About Your Laker Lifetime Learning Account (L3)