Northern Kentucky University

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, IT, or engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required; relevant work experience or technical prerequisites may be preferred.

About This Program

A flexible online graduate degree for professionals seeking to lead cybersecurity initiatives and defend critical information infrastructure against sophisticated digital threats.

The Online MS in Cybersecurity is a Master program at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky offered in a online format over 2 years with a focus on Cybersecurity (General) and Cybersecurity Law, Privacy & Policy with an estimated total tuition of $17K. Graduates commonly pursue careers as Cybersecurity Analyst, with typical salaries around $95,000. Thrive as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with cybersecurity expertise

Career Outcomes

Thrive as Cybersecurity Analyst in Cybersecurity AI with cybersecurity expertise

• 1. Cybersecurity Analyst
• 2. Incident Response Specialist
• 3. Security Operations Manager
• 4. Penetration Tester

What You'll Learn

• Assess and mitigate cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities in networks and systems.
• Implement encryption, access controls, and defense strategies against cyber attacks.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop compliance policies using frameworks like NIST.
• Analyze cyber incidents and lead response efforts for organizational resilience.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum includes graduate topics in cybersecurity, forensics, risk management, and hands-on activities in both local and cloud-based systems.

Top Employers

Top employers include Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, and government agencies like NSA and FBI.

Admissions

A bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, IT, or engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required; relevant work experience or technical prerequisites may be preferred.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)