Be a white hat. You’ll do that here.

As we’ve become dependent on the tools and technology of modern life, others have sought to prove destructive to those same systems. From malware to ransomware, phishing to cloaking, there seems to be no limit of the threats to our technological infrastructure. Enter cybersecurity professionals, tasked with protecting and defending these critical infrastructures.

What You’ll Do

The program focuses on developing a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce with specialization in the area of critical infrastructure as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. In this program, you’ll also:

  • Master the most up-to-date cybersecurity technologies.
  • Get focused attention from industry-expert faculty.
  • Gain critical reasoning and technical writing skills.

What Can You Do with an M.S. in Cybersecurity?

Graduates from our master’s in cybersecurity program will enter the most demanding and rewarding careers in the cybersecurity field.

  • New cybersecurity graduates enjoy a hefty salary with a median base pay of $75,000 per year.
  • The job outlook for software developers is expected to grow 28% from 2016 to 2026.

Outcomes & Careers

  • $169k

    Computer & Information Systems Manager

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a computer and information systems manager is $169,510.

  • $103k

    Computer Systems Analyst

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a computer systems analyst is $103,800.

  • $145k

    Computer & Information Research Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a computer and information research scientist is $145,080.

Cybersecurity Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

What You’ll Study

With a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, you’ll be prepared to enter the field even without a Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or similar degree. The program trains new graduates as well as existing practitioners, with skills required to protect critical infrastructure. You’ll take courses in computational cryptography, introduction of cybersecurity, information security in system administration, and security of critical infrastructure.

Stamp Cyber Command Center

Get experience with real-world cyber-attack scenarios in the first Cyber Command Center west of the Mississippi. Through SEMO's collaboration with IBM, you’ll get experience with immersive simulations that replicate real-world cyber threats, equipping you with the skills and expertise needed to respond to the evolving cybercrime landscape.

Graduate Assistantships

The graduate assistantship (GA) is designed to provide support during full-time graduate study. It’s an opportunity for the graduate students to serve in a professional role while establishing a professional relationship with faculty and administrators. In addition to a per year stipend, GAs gain valuable experience. There are two kinds of assistantships: teaching and administrative.

Harrison College of Business & Computing

This program is housed in the Harrison College of Business and Computing. The College prepares students for the global marketplace. Alumni work for some of the world’s largest corporations to some of today’s most innovative startups. The focus is on creating and innovating, data and trends, supported by faculty mentors who themselves are leaders in business and computing.

Accreditations and Designations

  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET): Computing Accreditation Commission logo
  • National Security Agency logo
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security logo
  • official Centers of academic excellence in cybersecurity community logo

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Graduate Coordinators

Graduate coordinators serve as the contact for graduate programs. The coordinators are most often faculty within the college which houses the program, helping you to get questions answered and first-hand knowledge of the degree requirements and placement opportunities.

Location
Office
Dempster Hall, 021A
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 5950
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701