About

This program is an interdisciplinary master of science in cybersecurity provided by the Lee Business School and the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. Currently, there is a demand at the local, state, regional, and national levels for individuals to be trained in the knowledge of computers, networks, and risk and security management. This has been identified by the Department of Labor and other sources as one of the most needed professions/skills, yet the traditional sources of such skills (i.e., higher education) is not producing graduates as fast as this field is growing. Students will be trained in technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity. Further, UNLV is a recognized center of academic excellence (CAE) for cybersecurity. This is a prestigious recognition from the US Federal Government that is only awarded to several universities in the entire country.

This program builds upon the strengths within the Computer Science department in the College of Engineering, which can provide the technical expertise of dealing with data, computers and networks. This program also builds on the strengths of the management information systems group within the Management Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MET) department in the Lee Business School to provide the expertise in managerial aspects of security, compliance, and risk management.

The graduate program in cybersecurity will also enable those already in the field to hone their managerial skills and enter into the management of cybersecurity, or provide those with other related skill sets to move from a related/technical field into cybersecurity. This focus is distinct compared to an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity, which typically focuses on basic skills. This M.S. in Cybersecurity will:

  1. Prepare cybersecurity specialists for management positions,
  2. Broaden skill sets from the undergraduate level, and
  3. Provide a broader view of cybersecurity within an organization.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate the computer network and information security needs of an organization.
  • Assess cybersecurity risk management policies in order to adequately protect critical resources and assets.
  • Demonstrate a mastery of in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity.
  • Formulate, update and communicate regarding organizational cyber-related strategies and policies.

Career Possibilities

Cybersecurity jobs represent a growing and potentially lucrative career path. Security professionals, directors, analytics, etc. are all in high demand and usually have above average annual pays. The following career pathways are available to someone with a degree in cybersecurity (For more details, please refer to CyberDegrees.org website). More advanced careers exist, once you have gathered additional experience in the field/industry.

  • Cryptographer
  • Forensics analyst
  • Incident responder
  • Penetration tester
  • Security administrator
  • Security analyst
  • Security/IT auditor
  • Security consultant
  • Security software developer
  • Security specialist
  • Security code auditor
  • Vulnerability assessor

Requirements

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Documents/Downloads

Master of Science - Cybersecurity

Contacts

Department of Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science is nationally and internationally recognized for research in theoretical and experimental computer science. We are especially known in areas such as real-time algorithms, information retrieval, document analysis, parallel computing, language design, software engineering, computer science education, graphics, computational geometry, networking, information customization, cybermedia, and internet security.

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Department of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology

The Department of Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology offers bachelor’s degrees in entrepreneurship and management as well as a master’s degree in management information systems (MIS), dual master’s degrees in MIS and hotel administration and MIS and MBA, and a graduate certificate in MIS.

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Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering

The College of Engineering provides students a well-rounded foundation in several engineering disciplines for a successful career in engineering and computer science. Through the hands-on, experiential education experience we offer, students are enabled to achieve excellence in their respective fields.

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Lee Business School

The Lee Business School advances the knowledge and practice of business; develops business leaders; and fosters intellectual and economic vitality through the creation and dissemination of knowledge and outreach.

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