M.S. in Cybersecurity

Program Overview

M.S. in Cybersecurity Mission and Purpose Course Curriculum FAQ

M.S. in Cybersecurity

In today’s digital world, cyber threats like malware, phishing, and DDoS attacks put individuals and organizations at constant risk. A Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity from Geneva College equips you with the expertise to defend critical data and systems from these ever-evolving threats. Rooted in a Christ-centered approach, our graduate program blends advanced technical training with ethical decision-making, preparing you for leadership roles in computer science and information security.

With expert faculty guiding you through both theoretical foundations and hands-on applications, full-time students can complete their degree in as little as a year and a half—fast-tracking their careers in one of the world’s most in-demand fields.

In this program, you will learn:

Forensic methods used to interrogate devices and recover data
Theories and techniques for protecting computers and systems from intrusions and hackers
Offensive and defensive procedures for attacking and defending networks
How to discover and correct system vulnerabilities
How to recover systems from man-made and natural disasters

Mission and Purpose

Geneva's M.S. in Cybersecurity is based on a Biblical worldview, integrating faith and life into the complex world of computer science and information operations and defense systems. We are intentional in our teaching to provide students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to be leaders in the field of Cybersecurity.

A biblical worldview provides a strong ethical foundation, ensuring that cybersecurity professionals act with integrity, honesty, and accountability in protecting sensitive information and digital infrastructure. It reinforces the importance of truth, the value of stewardship in responsibly managing data and technological resources, and the call to serve and protect others in an increasingly interconnected world. By integrating faith with technical expertise, Geneva’s Cybersecurity program equips graduates to be experts in their field with a mindset of service to God and neightbor.

Course Curriculum

M.S. in Cybersecurity courses:

This course investigates the methods by which security professionals can detect and respond to individual and persistent threats. In depth labs provide the student with the skills needed to implement and manage an intrusion detection or prevention system, while solid foundational theory allows the students to utilize any upcoming technology that the future may provide.

This course helps students understand the legal and policy issues associated with the Internet. Tackling a full range of legal topics, it includes discussion of jurisdiction, intellectual property, contracts, taxation, torts, computer crimes, online speech, defamation and privacy. Sessions include recent, relevant cases, discussion questions and exercises at the end of each lesson. This will also encompass research and presentation skills for public and organizational use.

This course details the requirements to properly govern and maintain a technical enterprise. Topics include: Corporate Governance, IT Governance and Strategies, Operational Risk, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Technology and Tools, and International Guidance. This course will focus on conducting internal audits to meet regulatory guidelines and consulting initiatives.

This course examines incident response through planning, implementation, management, and review. The student will learn underlying technological requirements, business requirements, and tools for combating regulatory mandates. This will also provide a real-world analysis of human and non-human incidents in an international perspective.

This course will introduce the student to terrorism history and concepts, criminal and terrorist motivations and differences, global terror and crime network analysis, methods of influence, fraud, digital network analysis concepts, and methods to analyze dark networks. The student will understand the underpinnings of the current and past terror movements and methods currently employed to detect and disrupt these phenomena.

This course explores the design, implementation, and management of modern operating systems within a system of systems framework. Topics include Linux/UNIX administration, Service Management, Virtualization, and Bash Programming. Students will engage with multiple operating environments, focusing on interoperability, scalability, and security. The course emphasizes real-world system administration challenges, including network services configuration, backup administration, user management, process management, and multi-platform integration. A research project or design is required, where students will analyze and develop solutions for a multi-platform and interoperable enterprise or small business environment.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of network security, including compliance and operational security; threats and vulnerabilities; application, data, and host security; access control and identity management; and cryptography. The course covers new topics in network security as well, including psychological approaches to social engineering attacks, Web application attacks, penetration testing, data loss prevention, cloud computing security, and application programming development security. The student will also gain presentation and management skills for information security projects.

This course will introduce the student to secure programming techniques and concepts that focus on common pitfalls programmers encounter when striving to publish their code. This includes handling input, buffer overflows, output and exceptions, and other common issues. There is also a focus on web-enabled systems and deployment of C and Java-based software.

This course presents the leading programs for practical forensic techniques. The text introduces legal and technical challenges, offering detailed coverage of crucial topics such as mobile forensics, Mac forensics, cyberbullying, and child endangerment. The practical activities require the student to extract, analyze, and report on several different digital media, using hands-on mastery of modern digital forensics tools and techniques.

This course will investigate a multitude of topics needed to become an Ethical Hacker, Security Professional, or well-informed technology staff. This course will concentrate on real-world application of hacking techniques, ethical and spiritual motivations of malicious hackers, and defensive concerns for protecting systems. This course will provide a solid foundation for ethical hacking certifications and penetration testing with Metasploit.

This course introduces the student to cryptographic concepts, tools, and techniques for both protection and malicious attack. The student will be introduced to cryptography attack algorithms and procedures, as well as, corrective procedures. This will include encryption algorithms, hashes, and usage scenarios for corporate and personal application. The student will be required to implement several cryptographic tools in laboratory exercises.

Cloud computing is used in every facet of private and public organizations around the world. This course discusses concepts related to cloud computing and provides insight into the risks and solutions to protect cloud computing resources.

FAQ

A few answers to some common questions...

A Master’s in Cybersecurity prepares you for a wide range of high-demand roles in the field, such as cybersecurity analyst, security engineer, digital forensics expert, penetration tester, incident response specialist, and chief information security officer (CISO). With increasing cyber threats worldwide, organizations in government, finance, healthcare, and tech industries are seeking professionals with advanced cybersecurity expertise.

While a background in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity is beneficial, it is not always required. Geneva College’s program is designed to accommodate students from diverse academic backgrounds and provides foundational coursework to help those new to the field develop the necessary technical skills.

Geneva College integrates biblical principles into every aspect of learning, emphasizing ethical responsibility and integrity in cybersecurity practices. Students gain a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty over technology and are encouraged to apply Christian values when addressing security challenges, protecting data, and defending against cyber threats.

The program is designed with flexibility in mind. It follows a hybrid format, allowing students to earn credits through both online and on-campus courses. On-campus classes are held in the evenings, making it possible for working professionals to balance their education with job responsibilities.

Students will develop expertise in key cybersecurity areas such as network security, cryptography, cloud security, digital forensics, and intrusion detection. Additionally, the coursework prepares students for industry-recognized certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CompTIA Security+.

Yes, the program emphasizes practical learning through hands-on labs, real-world cybersecurity case studies, and opportunities to engage with professionals in the field. The hybrid format also allows students to build strong connections with professors and classmates who have industry experience, expanding their professional network.

Geneva College’s Master’s in Cybersecurity provides a well-rounded education covering essential topics such as cyberlaw, digital forensics, cloud security, and incident response. By combining technical skills with ethical decision-making and a biblical foundation, graduates are equipped to handle emerging cybersecurity threats and lead with integrity in their careers.

Upcoming Start Dates

Choose an entry date for the M.S. in Cybersecurity Program that works for you.

Summer A

May

12

Apply by April 21, 2025

Summer B

June

30

Apply by June 9, 2025

Fall A

August

25

Apply by August 4, 2025

Fall B

October

20

Apply by September 29, 2025

Spring A

January

12

Apply by December 8, 2025

Spring B

March

23

Apply by March 2, 2026

Apply Now

Career Trajectory

The demand for professionals with an MS in Cybersecurity has risen by 14.2%.

(2021-2025)

Students who graduate with this degree go on to work as:

Network and computer systems adminstrators
Information security analysts
Computer systems analysts
Computer and information systems managers
Network and computer systems adminstrators

What are the benefits of a career in Cybersecurity?

A Master's in Cybersecurity opens the door to a dynamic and rewarding career in one of the fastest growing and crucial fields in the world today. With a degree in cybersecurity, you’ll gain specialized knowledge in risk management, ethical hacking, network security, and digital forensics—making you a valuable asset in government, finance, healthcare, and tech sectors. Beyond competitive salaries, a career in cybersecurity offers the chance to make a real impact by safeguarding individuals, businesses, and national security. The Cybersecurity field provides endless opportunities for opportunity and professional growth.

Learn From Top-Tier Cybersecurity Faculty

View Bio

Gordon Richards

Associate Professor and Chair of Computer Science Dept, and M.S. Cybersecurity Program Director

Dr. Richards served as Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Cyber Operations Office with 28 years of services in cyber and training.

View Bio

Scott Madeira

Associate Professor of Computer Science

Scott Madeira has lead development teams for applications ranging from military aircraft systems to hospital medical equipment and church data management.

View Bio

Paul Poteete

Associate Professor of Computer Science

Dr. Poteete is an international cybersecurity expert cited in high-profile technical publications, and a speaker at conferences worldwide.

All Cybersecurity Faculty

A snapshot of Geneva M.S. in Cybersecurity students...

Our graduate students enter the program in various seasons of life. Here are a few examples...

Jessica

Industry professional seeking advancement

Takes advantage of employer reimbursement at current company
Takes classes on campus
Plans to graduate in one year

Image of a male working professional at Geneva College

Robert

Working professional seeking a career change

Has a business degree
Takes classes online
Plans to graduate in 2 years with a relaxed schedule

The most impactful part of the master's program has been the wide variety of technology I have encountered. This has not only shown me many industry tools but has given me the skills and intuition to discover and understand different software outside of the classroom, which is extremely valuable in the world of technology. - Ryan Rachic '25

How do I pay for this?

There are a variety of options to help Grad students meet tuition costs. Students are encouraged to apply for any opportunities for which they qualify to help offset costs.

Financial Aid Resources for Grad Students

View Graduate Aid Options

Complete Your FAFSA

Geneva School Code: 003267

The Unique Value of a Graduate Degree from Geneva College...

As a Christian institution, we incorporate meaningful, ethical perspectives for you to frame your work in cybersecurity. Our Master of Science in Cybersecurity is offered as an on-campus, online, or hybrid program, meaning you earn credits how you want, allowing you valuable opportunities to network with your classmates and professors that have extensive experience in the cybersecurity field. Additionally, the MS in Cybersecurity is structured around the working professional, meaning on-campus classes are offered on weekday evenings, allowing you the flexibility and support you need to succeed.

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Applying to Geneva is Simple and Free

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Take a few moments to complete our free, online application. It is easy and efficient.

At Geneva College, we make the admissions process smooth and straightforward. When applying for a graduate program, you'll need to provide details about your academic history. Our team will guide you through the process of requesting transcripts from your previous schools to evaluate potential transfer credits—all as a service to you! Check out our Admissions and Aid page for more details.

The admissions process will help you get acquainted with Geneva's relational academic experience. If you choose to enroll, you can select your start date and get ready to begin classes.

Contact our Admissions team at, visit gradadmissions@sxtcyb.com.

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Military Friendly School

Geneva College has a proud history of supporting our military and veteran community

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A Christian College of Distinction

This distinction affirms Geneva's dedication to high-quality academics founded on the inerrant truth of God's word.

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Master of Science in Cybersecurity

11

33

1-2 yrs

$699

Become an expert in protecting computer systems with a Master's in Cybersecurity at Geneva

Program Overview

M.S. in Cybersecurity

Mission and Purpose

Course Curriculum

M.S. in Cybersecurity courses:

FAQ

A few answers to some common questions...

Upcoming Start Dates

Career Trajectory

Students who graduate with this degree go on to work as:

What are the benefits of a career in Cybersecurity?

Learn From Top-Tier Cybersecurity Faculty

Gordon Richards

Scott Madeira

Paul Poteete

A snapshot of Geneva M.S. in Cybersecurity students...

How do I pay for this?

The Unique Value of a Graduate Degree from Geneva College...

Applying to Geneva is Simple and Free

Talk to a member of our enrollment team

Military Friendly School

A Christian College of Distinction

Tell Me More

Discover more about our M.S. in Cybersecurity program

General Information

Offices & Departments

Student Resources