Master of Science
Cybersecurity

Our cybersecurity degree moves you beyond state-of-the-art technology.

We were the first Michigan university to offer a master’s in cybersecurity, and we’re still ahead of the curve. Oakland University’s cybersecurity students and faculty are already working to counter tomorrow’s cybersecurity threats, using next-generation technology to stay one step ahead of cyber attackers. You’ll study with nationally renowned cybersecurity researchers on our campus, while getting hands-on experience via cybersecurity internships and collaborative research with corporate and government partners. Recognized by the U.S. government, our cybersecurity degree takes you beyond state-of-the-art tools and techniques, vaulting you to the front of the fast-growing cybersecurity job market.

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We were the first Michigan university to offer a master’s in cybersecurity, and we’re still ahead of the curve. Oakland University’s cybersecurity students and faculty are already working to counter tomorrow’s cybersecurity threats, using next-generation technology to stay one step ahead of cyber attackers. You’ll study with nationally renowned cybersecurity researchers on our campus, while getting hands-on experience via cybersecurity internships and collaborative research with corporate and government partners. Recognized by the U.S. government, our cybersecurity degree takes you beyond state-of-the-art tools and techniques, vaulting you to the front of the fast-growing cybersecurity job market.

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Cybersecurity Degree: The Oakland University Advantage

Our pioneering cybersecurity degree is one reason the U.S. government designated Oakland University a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education in 2018. The recognition brings tangible benefits to master’s in cyber security students, including funds for scholarships and research.

We earned this recognition because of our cybersecurity program’s:

  • Industry-leading research. Oakland University’s Center for Cybersecurity unites research scholars from cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, business, math, criminal justice, and public administration. You’ll get directly involved in groundbreaking cybersecurity research at the center, which is sponsored by the National Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, National Science Foundation, and other agencies.
  • Exceptional faculty. Our master’s in cybersecurity is led by international experts who excel as educators, researchers, and professional mentors. You’ll work with the best in the business, developing relationships that maximize your expertise and broaden your career horizons.
  • Professional training. You can get applied, industry-oriented cybersecurity training via our cybersecurity degree’s professional track. This optional course sequence builds cutting-edge expertise that stands out in the job market, in subjects such as mobile devices, cloud computing, wireless network security, cyber law, forensics, and information system privacy.
  • University-wide commitment to cybersecurity. The master’s in cybersecurity is just one part of Oakland University’s focus on cybersecurity. We’re also integrating cybersecurity education into degrees in business, computer science, engineering, criminal justice, public administration, and health sciences. This all-encompassing commitment adds breadth to our cybersecurity master’s degree and increases your opportunities to explore a wide range of cybersecurity threats and applications.
  • Community engagement. Given the ubiquity of computers and smartphones, cybersecurity is a societal challenge. Oakland University promotes cybersecurity education throughout the community. In addition to partnering with businesses and government agencies, we support efforts to develop cybersecurity instruction in K-12 schools, community colleges, technical training sites, and other institutions.

What can you do with a cybersecurity degree?

Cybersecurity Careers

The cybersecurity job market is experiencing extraordinary growth. The U.S. Defense Department alone is expected to hire more than 50,000 cybersecurity experts in coming years. State and local governments will also need to beef up their cyber defenses. And that’s to say nothing of the vast demand for cybersecurity professionals in the corporate sector.

Our master’s in cybersecurity can serve as a foundation for almost any cybersecurity career specialty. Possibilities include:

  • Network engineering
  • Investigation
  • Threat assessment
  • Incident response
  • Research
  • Mobile communications
  • Data encryption

Cybersecurity Degree: What You’ll Study

Our master’s in cybersecurity totals 32 credits. Half are foundational and core courses, and the other half include electives that enable you to develop your academic and career focus. The cybersecurity degree includes an optional master’s thesis based on original research.

Courses and electives address cyber security concepts related to:

  • Databases
  • Operating systems
  • Network security
  • Mobile applications
  • Software security
  • Forensics
  • Wireless communications
  • Intellectual property
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