M.A. in Secondary Education
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Secondary Education at Roosevelt University is an intensiv...
M.S. in Cyber Security & Information Assurance
Chicago, Illinois
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Cyber Security & Information Assurance is a 30-credit-hour program, typically completed within two years. It provides practical cybersecurity training through a blend of classroom study, laboratory work, and real-world projects. The program is offered with in-person classes on Roosevelt's Chicago and Schaumburg campuses, with admissions available for fall and spring start dates. Full-time course delivery is structured to meet F1 visa requirements for international students. Roosevelt University is notably recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency, signifying a robust and reputable cybersecurity degree program.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Cyber Security & Information Assurance program at Roosevelt University is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after graduation, providing them with a longer period to gain valuable work experience in the U.S. and potentially pursue long-term career opportunities in the field.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in cybersecurity and information assurance. Core required courses (12 credit hours) include "Introduction to Computer Security," "Cyber Ethics, Privacy, & Legal," "Network Security," and "Secure Software Engineering." Students then choose two security electives (6 credit hours) from options such as "Cloud Computing and Security," "Planning and Budgeting the CISO Lifecycle," "Enterprise Continuity & Recovery Planning," or "Computer Forensics." The remaining 6 credit hours are elective, allowing students to further specialize in graduate-level computer science or cybersecurity courses. The program culminates in a capstone experience, where students can choose between a thesis option, a project option, an internship option, or completing two additional graduate-level electives. For students from non-computing majors, a bridge program with foundational courses like "Introduction to Programming," "Computer Networking," and "Operating Systems" is available.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Cyber Security & Information Assurance at Roosevelt University integrates a strong applied research focus. While training highly skilled practitioners is a primary goal, the program also encourages students to engage with current security research. Faculty members, who possess both professional and research experience, guide students through classroom study, lab work, and real-world projects, enabling them to build a comprehensive knowledge base and technical skills. The option to pursue a Master's Thesis or Project allows students to delve into specific areas of interest, conduct in-depth analysis, and contribute to the understanding and solution of complex cybersecurity problems. This research component ensures graduates are not just users of technology, but also critical thinkers capable of addressing evolving threats.
Industry Engagement: Roosevelt University places a significant emphasis on industry engagement to ensure its cybersecurity graduates are highly prepared for the workforce. The university's location in Chicago, a major business and technology hub, provides abundant opportunities for networking, internships, and career placements. The program benefits from an advisory board comprised of industry experts who provide feedback on curriculum relevance and assist with increasing internship opportunities and student mentoring. Alumni and industry professionals actively guide students with career mentorship and various opportunities. Graduates secure jobs in leading organizations, reflecting the program's strong ties to the cybersecurity industry and its success in preparing students for high-demand roles.
Global Perspective: Roosevelt University fosters a global perspective within its Cyber Security & Information Assurance program by recognizing the inherently global nature of cyber threats and information security challenges. The curriculum provides a coherent framework for developing foundational knowledge within the multi-disciplinary field of global security studies. The program attracts a diverse community of international students, enriching classroom discussions with varied perspectives on global security issues, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations. The universal applicability of cybersecurity principles, coupled with the program's emphasis on global security studies, prepares graduates to tackle cyber challenges that transcend national borders, making them valuable assets in a globally interconnected digital world.
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $42
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% 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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 55 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Roosevelt University in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to support their academic journey and make higher education more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to campus diversity.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to Roosevelt University are eligible for merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are automatically considered during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarship Program: Roosevelt University provides special scholarships targeted at international students, aiming to encourage a diverse and global student body. These awards vary in amount and criteria but typically recognize outstanding academic performance and community involvement.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within Roosevelt University, such as the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the Walter E. Heller College of Business, offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These awards may be based on talent, portfolio, or academic excellence in the field of study.
An M.S. in Cyber Security & Information Assurance from Roosevelt University prepares graduates for critical roles in protecting digital assets and infrastructure in an increasingly vulnerable digital world. The program's STEM designation, combined with its practical, hands-on training and strong industry connections in Chicago, positions graduates for high-demand careers.
Cybersecurity Analyst/Information Security Analyst: A core role in the field, these professionals monitor an organization's systems for security breaches, analyze threats, implement security measures, and respond to incidents to protect computer networks and systems.
Security Engineer/Cybersecurity Engineer: Graduates design, build, and implement secure systems and networks. This can involve setting up firewalls, intrusion detection systems, secure coding practices, and ensuring that new technologies are integrated securely.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): These specialists are hired to legally attempt to breach an organization's computer networks and systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. They conduct simulated attacks and provide recommendations for strengthening defenses.
Security Architect: A more senior role, security architects are responsible for designing and implementing the overall security framework of an organization's IT infrastructure. They develop security standards, recommend enhancements, and lead the strategic vision for security systems.
Incident Response Specialist/Manager: When a cyberattack occurs, incident responders are the first line of defense. They identify, contain, eradicate, and recover from security breaches, working to minimize damage and restore normal operations.
Digital Forensics Expert/Analyst: Graduates can work as "cybercrime investigators," recovering and analyzing digital evidence from computers, networks, and devices to trace cyberattacks, assist in criminal investigations, or reconstruct events after a breach.
Cloud Security Engineer/Specialist: With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, professionals in this role focus on securing cloud environments, managing access control, implementing encryption, and ensuring compliance for cloud-based applications and data.
Cybersecurity Consultant: Graduates can work for consulting firms or independently, advising various organizations on their security posture, conducting risk assessments, developing security strategies, and helping implement security solutions.
Security Administrator: These professionals manage the day-to-day operations of an organization's cybersecurity systems, including monitoring systems, running backups, managing user accounts, and implementing security patches.
Secure Software Engineer/Developer: For those with a strong programming background, this role focuses on integrating security into the software development lifecycle. They identify vulnerabilities in code, perform security testing, and ensure that applications are built with security by design.
