Cybersecurity
Master of Science
Guard data and guide decisions
In an increasingly connected world, protecting digital systems requires intelligence, robust analytics and a comprehensive approach that extends beyond coding and firewalls. This program prepares you to develop security strategies that cover every layer of a system — including hardware, software, environmental factors and human interaction. You will learn how to identify vulnerabilities, implement hardening techniques, analyze risks and maintain system functionality despite persistent adversaries and threats.
Through real-world scenarios and current methodologies, you'll gain skills to evaluate security protocols, utilize automation when appropriate, respond effectively to breaches and design systems with long-term resilience. You’ll also build a solid foundation in cryptology and the ethical and legal principles that guide responsible computing. Whether you're monitoring data integrity or making decisions with lasting impact, you'll be ready to act with professionalism, accountability and confidence. This program is tailored for those who aspire to be not just system defenders but ethical leaders in the evolving field of cybersecurity.
Overview
Related Topics
Encrypt your edge
Application information
Applicants for the M.S. in cybersecurity program must meet the following degree-specific admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: No
Program availability
- Concentration: Thesis, non-thesis
- Semester intake: Fall and Spring
- Eligible for 4+1 admission
- Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
- Eligible for WRGP award
- Eligible for international admission
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Contact information
Computer Science contact: Hasan Jamil; jamil@uidaho.edu
Graduate Admissions contact: graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4001
Costs, funding and research
Graduate funding opportunities through the College of Engineering
Faculty provide funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities or explore graduate fellowship programs.
To learn how you can fund your graduate degree, check out the Graduate Funding page.
Visit Financial Aid to find detailed information about the cost of attendance.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Degree fit
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy overcoming complex challenges
- Are a critical thinker and creative problem solver
- Like working with computers and technology
- Have strong math, science and technical skills
Degree roadmap
The M.S. in cybersecurity degree requires a total of 30 credits. Within these 30 credits several specific courses are required, others are to be chosen from a set of electives, plus between 6-10 credits of graduate research and/or thesis. Within these requirements, students must work with their graduate advisor to craft a graduate study plan that best fits their interests and career goals.
Related clubs and organizations
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Learn about clubs related to your major:
- Cyber Defense Club
- CyberForce Competition Team
- Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- Polymorphic Games Studio
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Robotics Club
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,590 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Information Technology Project Managers
$117,220 - Network and Computer Systems Administrators
$100,150 - Computer Network Architects
$140,315 - Security Management Specialists
$85,696 - Clinical Data Managers
$139,775
* Career data provided by Lightcast.