Online Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity

The Online Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity is offered by The George Washington University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science — whose online graduate engineering programs are ranked #5  by U.S. News & World Report, the highest ranking of any private university in the nation. The 30-credit program is NSA CAE-R designated and STEM-classified, with two degree tracks: Cybersecurity Analytics and Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance. Tuition is $1,250 per credit hour, with eBooks and software included. Classes meet live via Zoom one evening per week (6:30–9:30 p.m. ET), Monday through Thursday depending on the course. Recordings are available within two hours for students who choose to participate asynchronously.

Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity

The Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity is designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in protecting digital systems, data, and critical infrastructure while continuing their careers. Offered in a flexible online format, the program delivers rigorous, graduate-level instruction in core cybersecurity principles with specialized pathways in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance and Cybersecurity Analytics. Guided by expert faculty, graduates are prepared to address complex cybersecurity challenges and pursue advanced roles across government, healthcare, finance, technology, or further academic study.

Download the Program Flyer (PDF)

Program Overview

Through graduate-level coursework, students engage in an in-depth cybersecurity curriculum that emphasizes analytical thinking, data-driven decision-making, and applied problem-solving. The program integrates theoretical foundations with practical application, enabling students to evaluate risk, interpret security data, and respond to evolving cyber threats within organizational and regulatory contexts.

Taught by expert faculty, the program prepares graduates to advance into specialized professional roles and contribute to cybersecurity initiatives across industry, government, healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. The degree also provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in doctoral study or advanced research in cybersecurity or related fields.

How Is This Program Delivered?

Courses are delivered via Zoom one evening per week, with the option to participate asynchronously by watching the course recordings.

Quick facts:

• Format: 100% live online
• Class schedule: One evening per week (Monday-Thursday), 6:30-9:30 p.m. ET
• Session length: Nine-week sessions
• Enrollment structure: Students enroll in four nine-week sessions, with an optional fifth summer session
• Start options: Up to five start terms per year

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum consists of 10 courses (30 total credit hours) designed to build advanced cybersecurity expertise across essential areas of the field. Courses combine synchronous and asynchronous learning, providing live instruction alongside flexible coursework.

Cybersecurity Degree Options

The Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity offers two distinct degree specialization options, allowing students to tailor their coursework to align with their professional interests and career goals. While both degrees share a strong foundation in core cybersecurity principles, each emphasizes different skill sets and areas of practice.

Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance
This degree focuses on the governance, legal, and regulatory dimensions of cybersecurity. Students examine cybersecurity policy development, risk management frameworks, compliance standards, and organizational security strategy. Graduates are prepared to lead compliance initiatives, manage cybersecurity risk, and support security decision-making in regulated and policy-driven environments.

Cybersecurity Analytics
This degree emphasizes technical and data-driven approaches to cybersecurity. Coursework focuses on threat analysis, security data analytics, anomaly detection, and incident response. Graduates are prepared for hands-on roles involving security operations, threat intelligence, and advanced analytical techniques used to detect, assess, and mitigate cyber threats.

Learn more about the courses 

ECE 6132 Secure Cloud Computing: A comprehensive guide to security concerns and best practices for cloud computing and cloud services. Topics discussed include cloud computing architectures, risk issues and legal topics, data security, internal and external clouds, information security frameworks and operational guidelines. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6540 Management of Information and Systems Security: Information security techniques and countermeasures in defense fundamentals; critical infrastructure protection; network defense–firewall systems and IDS, VPNs, cryptographic and internet security protocols and cyber security, information assurance.  (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6543 Managing the Protection of Information Assets and Systems: Advanced topics in protection of information assets and systems, including authentication, asset control, security models and kernels, physical security, personnel security, operational security, administrative security, security configuration management and resource control. Prerequisite: EMSE 6540. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6544 Auditing, Monitoring and Intrusion Detection for Information Security Managers: Methods for detecting problems with unauthorized activity in information systems and management challenges associated with those activities. Prerequisite: EMSE 6540 (3 credit hours)

Degree-specific Courses for M.Eng. in Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance

CSCI 6012 Cybersecurity and Privacy: Overview of cybersecurity and privacy, including cryptography, authentication, malware, viruses, network security, anonymity, privacy and online privacy, risk management. Common cyberattacks and techniques for detection and defense. Policy and legal perspectives for managing cybersecurity missions supporting the private sector and government. Cyber technologies as applied to the stability of global information and communications infrastructure; government cybersecurity policies. (3 credit hours)

CSCI 6013 Security in Mobile Computing: Relationship between security strategic plan and business strategic plan. Mobile Device Solutions (MDS) to access enterprise corporate data. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) paradigm. Mobile Device Management (MDM) best practices, policies, network controls to identify countermeasures and risk mitigation strategies against common threats. Overview of mobile security solutions for classified processing and communications. Prerequisite: CSCI 6012. (3 credit hours)

SEAS 6525 Secure and Trustworthy AI: In depth knowledge of machine learning, generative AI, and artificial intelligence with a focus on security, governance, and protecting sensitive data. Tools to securely and responsibly design, implement, and operate AI and ML systems. (3 credit hours)

CSCI 6534 Information Security in Government: Roles, issues, and governance of cyber security in the federal government. Overview of the technical aspects of cyber security including federally developed cybersecurity standards and frameworks and government and industry initiatives. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6542 Cybersecurity Risk Management and Compliance: Cybersecurity threats and other risks to an organization’s core business; risk-based planning and risk management of cybersecurity at the enterprise level; risk assessment and modeling approaches to cybersecurity issues related to security structures, sustaining healthy cybersecurity posture, and satisfying compliance with risk frameworks. Prerequisite: EMSE 6540. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6546 Cybercrime for Information Security Managers: Information security actions related to and in response to criminal activity, including industrial espionage, back-hacking, cracking, and cyberterrorism. Transnational issues, cybercrime treaties and conventions, and cyberwar issues. (3 credit hours)

Degree-specific Courses for M.Eng. Cybersecurity Analytics

CSCI 6016 Applied Network Defense: Computer security: protection aspects of the Internet. Cryptographic tools to provide security, such as shared key encryption (DES, 3DES, RC and more), public key encryption, key exchange, and digital signature. Internet protocols and applications.  (3 credit hours)

ECE 6210 Machine Intelligence: Machine learning theory; classification and linear models; perceptron model; artificial neural networks; training, inference, software, programming; vector matrix multiplications; design vectors of AI system and performance; AI applications. Prerequisites: Undergraduate-level knowledge in electrical and/or computer engineering or computer science. (3 credit hours)

SEAS 6525 Secure and Trustworthy AI: In depth knowledge of machine learning, generative AI, and artificial intelligence with a focus on security, governance, and protecting sensitive data. Tools to securely and responsibly design, implement, and operate AI and ML systems. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6767 Applied Data Analytics: Applied and practical data analytics. High-level theory, with primary focus on practical application of a broad set of statistical techniques needed to support an empirical foundation for systems engineering and engineering management. A variety of practical visualization and statistical analysis techniques. Leveraging Minitab and Excel to examine raw data to arrive at insightful conclusions. (3 credit hours)

SEAS 6410 Security Data Visualization: Visualization aspect of security data, including study of data analytics and scaling up information security, security metrics and security monitoring techniques focusing on industry applications. Tools for security data visualization and analytics. Prerequisite: EMSE 6767. (3 credit hours)

SEAS 6414 Python Applications in Data Analytics: Introduction to programming with Python with applications in Cyber Analytics including automating data cleaning, machine learning, text mining, time series analysis, anomaly detection, DoS attack detection, and spam detection. (3 credit hours)

Academic Calendar

 

Session	Dates	Application Deadlines
Summer 2026	week of 6/1/26 – week of 6/29/26	5/16/2026
Fall-1 2026	8/18/26 –  10/15/26	8/10/2026
Fall-2 2026	10/20/26 – 12/17/26	10/5/2026
Spring-1 2027	week of 1/11/27 – week of 3/8/27	12/15/2026
Spring-2 2027	week of 3/15/27 – week of 5/10/27	3/1/2027

The course order is determined by academic advisors based on student progress. Course details are provided through Blackboard approximately one month before classes begin.

NSA Designation & NICE Workforce Framework Alignment

GW Engineering holds the National Security Agency’s CAE-R designation (Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research), renewed through academic year 2030. CAE-R is the research-focused track within the NSA’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) program, awarded to institutions with substantial cybersecurity research output. The CAE-C program also includes CAE-CD (Cyber Defense), CAE-CO (Cyber Operations), and CAE-CAI (CyberAI) designations.

Coursework in both specialization pathways aligns with NICE Workforce Framework roles including:

• Cyber Defense Analyst (PR-CDA-001)
• Cyber Defense Incident Responder (PR-CIR-001)
• Threat / Warning Analyst (AN-TWA-001)
• Information Systems Security Manager (OV-MGT-001)
• Cybersecurity Policy Planner (OV-LGA-001)

What Can You Do With a Master's in Cybersecurity?

Graduates of the online Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity are prepared for advanced professional roles focused on protecting digital systems, analyzing security threats, managing risk, and responding to complex cyber incidents. The degree supports career advancement for professionals seeking deeper specialization, increased responsibility, and opportunities to contribute to organizational resilience and security strategy across technology-driven environments.

SALARY  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Information Security Analysts is $124,910 (May 2024). Employment is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the average for all occupations — with approximately 16,000 openings projected each year over the decade.

Admissions Requirements

Who Should Apply 

The online Master’s in Cybersecurity is designed for applicants with a strong academic background who are prepared for advanced, graduate-level study.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.  For the Cybersecurity Analytics program, the bachelor’s degree must be in engineering, computer science, information technology, mathematics, physics, or a closely related field.
• Applicants outside the United States should review international admissions requirements for additional criteria
• Applicants may also apply to a six-course graduate certificate in Cybersecurity

Application Materials

There is no application fee for GW’s online engineering programs.

A complete application includes:

• Resume or CV
• Official transcripts from all institutions where a degree was earned
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• GRE scores (optional), which may be submitted if available to strengthen the application

After You Apply

Applicants are expected to remain engaged throughout the admissions process. You will receive email updates as your application is reviewed, and timely responses to requests for materials are required to keep your application moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which degree specialization is right for me?

GW’s online Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity offers two degree specializations designed for different professional interests and backgrounds. Both provide a strong foundation in cybersecurity while allowing you to focus your studies on either technical analytics or cybersecurity policy, risk, and compliance.

Cybersecurity Analytics	Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance
Focus: The technical and analytical side of cybersecurity	Focus: The policy, governance, risk, and compliance side of cybersecurity
What you'll study: Security analytics, threat detection, network defense, incident response, Python, and data-driven cybersecurity	What you'll study: Cybersecurity governance, risk management, compliance, privacy, cyber law, and organizational security
Designed for: Students with a technical or quantitative academic background who want to develop advanced cybersecurity analysis skills	Designed for: Students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds who want to manage cybersecurity risk, policy, and compliance
Career areas: Security analytics, threat intelligence, incident response, security operations, and cyber defense	Career areas: Governance, risk and compliance (GRC), cybersecurity policy, information security management, privacy, and cyber risk
Admission background: Technical or quantitative undergraduate preparation required	Admission background: Open to applicants from all undergraduate disciplines

Choose Cybersecurity Analytics if you want to:
Work directly with cybersecurity data, identify and analyze threats, investigate security incidents, and use technical tools to protect systems and networks.

Choose Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance if you want to:
Develop cybersecurity policies, manage organizational risk, address regulatory and compliance requirements, and help organizations make effective cybersecurity decisions.

Do I need an engineering degree to apply?

Applicants to the Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance degree are not required to have an engineering or technical degree; a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution is sufficient.

Applicants to the Cybersecurity Analytics degree should hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related technical field. Candidates with other quantitative or technical backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on academic preparation and professional experience.

Is the GRE required?

No. The GRE is not required for admission to the online Master’s in Cybersecurity.

Can I work full time while enrolled?

Yes. The program is designed for working professionals. Courses are delivered live online with one scheduled evening class per week, with the option to participate asynchronously by watching the course recordings, allowing students to balance coursework with full-time employment.

Are international applicants eligible?

Yes. International applicants are welcome to apply. Additional documentation, including proof of English language proficiency, may be required depending on prior education and background.

Is GW’s online cybersecurity master’s NSA-designated?

Yes. The GW School of Engineering and Applied Science holds the National Security Agency’s CAE-R designation (Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research). 

Why choose GW Engineering’s online Master’s in Cybersecurity?

GW Engineering is ranked #5 in U.S. News’ 2026 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs — the highest-ranked private university in the category. The program is built around live evening classes (6:30–9:30 PM ET, Monday–Thursday) with the option to attend asynchronously by watching the course recordings — a structure designed for working professionals who want real-time faculty access with the flexibility to participate asynchronously.  The program holds the NSA’s CAE-R designation (Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research), is STEM-designated, and offers two distinct degree specialization pathways: Cybersecurity Analytics (technical track) and Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance (governance track). 

What employers hire GW Engineering cybersecurity graduates?

GW Engineering graduates pursue cybersecurity careers across the national cybersecurity ecosystem (civilian agencies, defense and intelligence agencies, federally funded research labs, and  contractors), as well as in financial services, healthcare, critical infrastructure, technology, and consulting industries.

Explore Our Other Online Master's Programs

• Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning — ideal complement for cybersecurity professionals interested in AI-driven threat detection
• Online Master’s in Cloud Computing Management — focuses on securing cloud infrastructure and DevSecOps workflows
• Online Master’s in Engineering Management — for cybersecurity professionals moving into leadership and CISO-track roles

Ready to Take the Next Step?