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Information Security and Cyber Leadership, M.S.

College of Information and Communications

The demand for information security specialists and cyber leaders is at an all-time high. This degree provides the technical, social and people skills needed to succeed in this rapidly expanding field.

Cyber threats and data breaches are bringing new challenges every day. A 2020 study revealed that by 2024 there would be three million cybersecurity jobs unfilled. This master's degree program will thoroughly prepare you to help fill those openings as an information security expert and future leader in the cyber industry.

Program Highlights

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    Certificate Credit

    Earn a certificate first. The first courses you take count toward a certificate and your master's degree.

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    In-Demand Skills

    Find a job easily: the cybersecurity industry unemployment rate has stayed close to zero for more than a decade.

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    High Earnings

    Earn around $100,000 a year even if you have less than five years of experience in cybersecurity.

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    Apply Benefits

    Use your military benefits to cover the majority of the tuition and program fees if you are a veteran or active-duty student.

What You’ll Study

Combine sophisticated communication, information, people and technology skills to meet the demands of both the public and private sectors. Analyze human information behavior and information security phenomena in cyber environments. Explain the structure of a cybersecurity system, implement the system, handle the system operations, and evaluate the system efficiency.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Database Management

    Organizing and maintaining data in a computer system, including storage, retrieval and security

    Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

    Attention to Detail

    Being meticulous and thorough in all aspects of a task or project

  • Data Analysis

    Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

    Communication

    Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

    Continuous Improvement

    Identifying and implementing incremental changes to enhance quality, efficiency and effectiveness

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

  • Information Security Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Information Specialist
  • Data Archivist

Workplace Settings

  • Cybersecurity
  • Government
  • Business
  • Education

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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