Cybersecurity, M.S.

What is Cybersecurity?

Get a Master's in Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity M.S.

Gain expertise to protect computer systems, networks, data and digital assets from unauthorized access, damage, theft or disruption.

Every business, organization and individual that uses computer systems, networks, data or digital assets relies on cybersecurity to protect data integrity and confidentiality and to ensure systems and services remain accessible and operational. Cyberthreats continue to evolve in sophistication and complexity, meaning cybersecurity must be multilayered, with ongoing monitoring and adaptation to remain effective.

Cybersecurity careers span diverse roles and duties focused on safeguarding computer systems, networks and data from security breaches and unauthorized access. Given the pervasive use of digital technologies across industries, cybersecurity plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive information and maintaining business continuity.

An M.S. in cybersecurity from Florida Tech provides the essential knowledge and skills you need to be part of this exciting field.

Top 15%

Best Master's Degree Schools
College Factual

CAE-R

Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research
National Security Agency (NSA)/
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Top 5.8%

World University Ranking
The Center for World University Rankings

Why Choose Florida Tech for Cybersecurity?

The cybersecurity M.S. is designed to meet the needs of students seeking to develop workforce-centric competencies in cyberdefense. It offers students from both technical and nontechnical backgrounds the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in cybersecurity.

An M.S. in cybersecurity equips you with specialized knowledge and skills that can be applied across different roles and industries, such as government agencies, corporate enterprises, financial institutions, healthcare organizations and cybersecurity consulting firms.

Whether your goal is to become a cybersecurity analyst or to apply cyberdefense expertise in a different role, a cybersecurity degree from Florida Tech positions you for success and career growth.

Our faculty are cybersecurity experts—and great teachers—who bring years of experience in industry, the military and academia to the classroom.

They maintain active research programs in the field and provide cybersecurity students a real-world understanding of the career and the issues experts face when responding to cyberthreats and cyberattacks.

Florida Tech’s location in a high-tech corridor, home to hundreds of technology, government and military organizations, makes it a great place for a cybersecurity degree.

Our area has one of the largest high-tech workforces in the country, and that means numerous opportunities for our students. Our 130-acre campus is in the heart of the Space Coast; NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us.

When it’s time to kick back and relax, you’re just minutes from 72 miles of beautiful beaches, a short trip away from the Florida Keys or the Orlando theme parks and minutes away from the Indian River Lagoon, the most biodiverse estuary in North America.

In the cybersecurity master's degree program you will develop cyberdefense competencies that are in demand in today’s workforce, equipping you for a rewarding and impactful career—even if your bachelor’s degree or background is in a nontechnical area.

You will learn about computer systems and networks, information security, secure communications and cryptography. If you have little or no programming experience, the M.S. cybersecurity will help you become a comfortable programmer.

Background knowledge in applied statistics and calculus is recommended.

Cybersecurity professionals must continually adapt to evolving cyberthreats. New technologies often mean new cybersecurity concerns, and the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) has made it easier for cybercriminals to carry out attacks, with fewer resources and less expertise.

With a cybersecurity master’s from Florida Tech, you will gain the skills you need to respond to the risks and threats of today and those that have yet to emerge.

Careers in Cybersecurity

As cyberthreats evolve, there's an increasing need for skilled professionals versed in various aspects of cybersecurity. Success in this dynamic field hinges on continuous learning and staying current with the latest technologies and trends.

Cybersecurity careers include:

CISO - Chief information security officer
Cybersecurity director
Information security manager
Incident response manager
Network security manager

Security operations center manager
Cyber intelligence analyst
Compliance officer - cybersecurity
Digital forensics analyst

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for cybersecurity careers.

Explore the Cybersecurity, M.S., Curriculum

The Cybersecurity, M.S., Curriculum

Essential cybersecurity knowledge and skills are covered in 24 credit hours of core courses. You will study data structures, programming, computer systems and networks.

Delving into security, you will examine cyberthreats, vulnerability analysis and asset protection. You will learn how to identify and implement network and communication security measures and explore the connections between security solutions and the enterprise, including legal and regulatory considerations.

Customize your degree to your interests with six credit hours of electives. To wrap up your 30-credit program, you will either choose to complete a thesis (replacing the six credit hours of electives) or take a final program exam.

Core courses include:

Data Structures and Programming
Enterprise Information Security
Cryptography and Information Hiding

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Cybersecurity, M.S., Curriculum now!

Cybersecurity at the Leading Edge

A graduate student working at L3HIAI

From smart devices to nationwide networks, researchers at Florida Tech work to uncover and correct vulnerabilities, improve existing cyberdefense strategies and develop new methods to keep information and systems secure.

The L3Harris Institute for Assured Information (L3HIAI) is the university’s focal point for research and education in cyberdefense. An NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense since 2011, it is located in the L3Harris Center for Science and Engineering.

At L3HIAI, researchers bring their expertise to an environment of collaboration, providing the perfect setting to develop pragmatic cybersecurity solutions across disciplines.

L3HIAI provides labs and infrastructure for faculty and students engaged in cyberdefense-related research and also hosts cybersecurity-related events.

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Learn more about Cybersecurity at Florida Tech on the website.

FITSEC

FITSEC, Florida Tech’s cybersecurity team, unites undergraduate and graduate students with a shared passion for cybersecurity.

The team provides a structured training pipeline that helps newcomers build a strong foundation in cybersecurity. Students learn from experienced peers and gain hands-on experience, preparing them for regional and national competitions.

Joining FITSEC is an excellent way for students to enhance their cybersecurity expertise, develop practical skills and connect with like-minded peers in the field.