Masters of Public Administration
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Publi...
M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Erie, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. This professional graduate program is designed to meet the critical and growing demand for cybersecurity professionals globally. It aims to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to protect data, systems, and critical cyber infrastructure from evolving cyber threats, while also emphasizing the importance of privacy. The program is accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds, including those without prior cyber education.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity is a 30-credit professional degree program. The curriculum is structured into three main categories: Cybersecurity Essentials Courses (12 credits), Information Assurance Courses (12 credits), and Cyber Electives (3 credits), culminating in a 3-credit Directed Project or Directed Research. Core coursework covers fundamental areas such as Networking Fundamentals, Cybersecurity Foundations, Security Leadership, Cybersecurity Management, Asset Security and Risk Management, Information Security Architectures, Security Assessment and Access Control, and Operations & Software Development Security. Students can choose electives like Digital Forensics or Network Management and Security Implementation. The program also prepares students for industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, GIAC, and CISSP.
Research Focus: Gannon's M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program places a strong research focus on developing students' analytical and problem-solving skills to address real-world cybersecurity challenges. The program includes a "Directed Project" or "Directed Research" component, where students engage in in-depth scholarship, culminating in a publishable-quality manuscript or a prototype-level application with a technical report. This emphasis allows students to apply creativity, critical thinking, and research skills to identify patterns in cybersecurity intrusion detection and prevention techniques, manage large-scale network security, and address practical issues related to data privacy. Students are encouraged to participate in research seminars and presentations, fostering a culture of continuous learning and contribution to the field.
Industry Engagement: Gannon University's M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program demonstrates significant industry engagement. The curriculum is designed to address the crucial gap in the cybersecurity workforce, aligning with industry demands and preparing students for highly sought-after roles. The program provides the foundational knowledge needed to obtain industry professional certifications, directly enhancing graduates' employability. The university highlights the severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals globally and actively works to fill this void by preparing students with practical skills. The program's focus on real-world problems and emphasis on current trends in network management and security reflects its close ties to the needs of organizations.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program at Gannon University inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing a threat landscape that transcends national borders. Cybersecurity is a global issue, with cyber threats impacting businesses, communities, and governments worldwide. The program recognizes the global demand for computing professionals and emphasizes protecting critical cyber infrastructure while maintaining privacy—concerns that are universal. The curriculum equips students with knowledge and skills applicable to defending against global cybercrime, espionage, and terrorism. Gannon's commitment to preparing graduates for a field with 3.5 million unfilled positions globally underscores its role in contributing to a secure digital world on an international scale.
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19605
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Gannon University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their studies in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community, making education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Gannon University are eligible for competitive merit-based scholarships that reward strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable based on maintaining academic standards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based financial assistance may be available to international students demonstrating financial need. Applicants are encouraged to communicate their situation during the admission process for consideration.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity from Gannon University is a highly relevant and in-demand degree in today's digital landscape. The program is specifically designed to address the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, equipping graduates with the crucial skills to protect digital assets and critical infrastructure. Gannon's emphasis on both technical proficiency and ethical considerations, alongside preparation for industry-recognized certifications, positions its graduates for diverse and impactful careers.
Cybersecurity Analyst: This is a foundational role where graduates monitor computer networks and systems for security breaches, investigate and respond to incidents, and implement security measures. They are vital for organizations across all industries to protect against various cyber threats.
Information Security Manager/Officer: These professionals take on leadership roles, overseeing an organization's overall information security policies, procedures, and systems. They manage teams, conduct risk assessments, ensure compliance with regulations, and develop strategic security plans.
Security Architect: Security architects design and build robust security infrastructures for an organization's IT systems and networks. They create comprehensive security solutions, incorporating best practices and emerging technologies to protect against current and future threats.
Cybersecurity Consultant: Graduates can work as external consultants, advising various organizations on their cybersecurity strategies, implementing security products, conducting audits, and helping them improve their overall security posture. This often involves project-based work for diverse clients.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): These specialists simulate cyberattacks on an organization's systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. They provide valuable insights to strengthen defenses.
Incident Response Analyst/Manager: In the event of a security breach or cyberattack, incident response professionals are the first line of defense. They contain, investigate, and remediate incidents, minimizing damage and ensuring business continuity. An M.S. equips them for leadership in coordinating these critical responses.
Digital Forensics Analyst: These professionals investigate cybercrimes and security incidents by collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence. They often work with law enforcement, legal teams, or corporate security departments to uncover the root cause of breaches and support investigations.
Application Security Engineer: Focusing on software, these engineers design, develop, and test secure applications. They ensure that security is built into the software development lifecycle from the ground up, identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in code and application architecture.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Analyst/Manager: With increasing regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA), GRC professionals ensure that an organization's cybersecurity practices comply with legal and industry standards. They develop policies, conduct audits, and manage organizational risk related to information security.
Cloud Security Engineer: As more data and applications move to the cloud, professionals specializing in cloud security are in high demand. They design, implement, and manage security controls for cloud-based infrastructure and services (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) to protect sensitive data and applications in virtual environments.
