Cybersecurity: Master's Degree

The cybersecurity ms program at du blends cybersecurity and computer science education to give you a solid technical foundation with essential skills. We offer three introductory courses for those entering from other fields. 

• What sets us apart is our tool-agnostic approach, focusing on technical skills and foundational knowledge. This approach not only prepares you for any cybersecurity job as the industry evolves but also opens a world of possibilities for your learning journey.  
• While increased access to technology improves your life, it also threatens your personal data. This rapid development has made cybersecurity crucial. 
• We are a National Security Agency (NSA) accredited National Center of Academic Excellence-Cyber Defense.  

Master of Science in Cybersecurity
How our curriculum prepares you for your career in cybersecurity

Gain experience from practical hands-on projects

• Your learning will be reinforced with practical, hands-on cybersecurity projects, giving you several opportunities to apply your skills and build a portfolio of project experience upon graduation.

Courses that teach you to think strategically about cybersecurity

• Learn to ask the right questions and address cybersecurity challenges in any context. Our courses provide you with a comprehensive understanding and tools across the cybersecurity domain, including protecting security information systems and infrastructure; detecting, countering, recovering, and preventing cyber incidents; ensuring availability and integrity of data resources; assessing security risk; and cybersecurity policy.

Learn from full-time faculty

• Our program faculty are full-time and have industry experience in cybersecurity. Our small cohort sizes allow you to work closely with cybersecurity faculty in your projects and coursework.  

Pursue your career interests with your capstone

• Our program includes a capstone that allows students to focus on what aspect of cybersecurity interests them most. Students can also choose to intern in the field or work on cutting-edge research or projects in whatever space they choose.

Preparation for industry certifications 

• The courses align closely with industry-recognized certifications, including CompTIA Security+ and Network+, and CEH etc. While we don’t provide the certifications, the courses cover more in-depth material to help you take the certifications without much additional preparation. 

Foundational Courses - 12 Credit Hours 

Foundational Courses provide a computer science foundation for students who do not have a computer science background. The department pre-assesses Foundational Course needs. Students may test out of one or more Foundational Courses. 

• COMP 3003 - Foundations in Computer Systems 
• COMP 3004 - Foundations in Discrete Structures & Algorithms 
• COMP 3005 - Foundations in Python Programming 

Required Courses - 48 Credit Hours 

• COMP 3006 - Python Software Development 
• COMP 3356 - Introductory C/C++ Programming 
• COMP 3361 - Operating Systems I 
• COMP 3731 - Computer Forensics 
• COMP 4455 - Shell Scripting and System Tools 
• COMP 4384 - Secure Software Engineering 
• COMP 4621 - Computer Networking 
• COMP 4721 - Computer Security 
• COMP 4722 - Network Security 
• COMP 4723 - Ethical Hacking 
• COMP 4799 - Capstone Project in Cybersecurity  

Electives - 4 Credit Hours 

• Elective credits must be either a pre-approved cybersecurity course at DU, or with advisor approval. 

Pre-approved courses: 

• COMP 4732 - Human-Centered Data Security and Privacy 
• COMP 3421 - Database Organization & Management I 
• COMP 3424 - NoSQL Databases 

Cybersecurity is in Demand

• Industry experts predict a 35 percent growth rate in cybersecurity jobs from 2021-2031. Through DU's cybersecurity program, you'll be ready to enter the workforce and make an impact. According to cyberseek.org, there are approximately 15,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in Colorado (2024) and over 450,000 openings in the US.  
• Our alumni work with local companies like DarkOwl and big names like Zoom, IBM, and Microsoft. They hold positions ranging from tier 1 analysts and penetration testers to cybersecurity management, software engineers and security specialists. Our degree equips you with the skills to pursue any cybersecurity career you desire.

Preparing you for Careers in Cybersecurity 

• Our program is a jumping-off point into a career in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity has become more and more important as our lives have moved more and more online, and cyber-attacks have increased apace. 

Graduates from our program can jump into virtually any field related to computer science and cybersecurity, including: 

• Security Analyst 
• Network Security Operations 
• Pen Tester/Red-Teamer 
• Cloud Security Engineer 
• Security Engineer