Welcome to the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Program!

Female-presenting woman with program code projected on her
Woman next to servers holding and looking at laptop

young male programmer sifting through data streams while coding

OVERVIEW

The United States is facing an increasing vulnerability of a wide range of risks stemming from cyber-attacks, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Such attacks have caused the loss and corruption of valuable digital information in cyberspace, may it be in transit or stored. DHS further points out that “of growing concern is the cyber threat to critical infrastructure, which is increasingly subject to sophisticated cyber intrusions that pose new risks.

CyberSeek, a non-profit information security advocacy group, states that there is a dangerous shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the United States. Employers are struggling to fill thousands of cyber-security related roles. On average, cybersecurity roles take 21% longer to fill than other IT jobs.

Cyber operations involve a complex interplay between technology and human behavior. To meet the sociotechnical needs from industry, MSU Denver has taken a unique approach by combining the Departments of Criminal Justice & Criminology, Computer Information Systems & Business Analytics, and Computer Sciences to jointly create a multidisciplinary Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree program.

The graduate program combines advanced computer/information system knowledge of combating cybercrime, analytical skills to analyze and manage cyber threats and security, the understanding of human factors in cyber operations, as well as the adaptation of laws to create policies to investigate, prosecute, and to punish cybercriminals.

Mission Statement and Goals

The mission of the CYBM program is to provide students with in-depth knowledge as well as practical skills in both policy and analysis of computer and network security, privacy, computer forensics, and the investigation, prosecution, and punishment of cybercrime. The CYBM program:

  1. Offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines the areas of computer science, computer information systems, cyber laws and policies, with an understanding of cyber-crimes and criminals;
  2. Enables students with either a technical or non-technical undergraduate field of study to obtain a graduate degree in cybersecurity;
  3. Prepares students to enter management or technical positions at all levels in the field of cybersecurity, and
  4. Provides students with leadership skills and an ability to work well in a team-based work environment.

 

Program Accreditation

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

 

Accolades

Senate Bill 86 brings $300,000 annually into educating the cybersecurity professionals of tomorrow at MSU Denver.

The Cybersecurity Center

The Cybersecurity Center

CAREER OUTLOOK

CURRICULUM

Download Curriculum & Review Catalog

You may download the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Program Details and Curriculum, which demonstrates the program overview, sequence of coursework, and course offering by department. You may also visit the 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

The CYBM program must approve any deviation from the academic plan of study*. Most of our courses have prerequisites; students who do not enroll in all classes every semester will take longer to complete the program as courses are only offered once per year and are sequential.

*Please contact the Cybersecurity Program Manager.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID

Cybersecurity Alum & Academic Scholarships

Financial Aid for Graduate Students

Graduate School Preparation Checklist

GENERAL & ACADEMIC POLICIES

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

2024 CYBERSECURITY, M.S. APPLICATION

CYBERSECURITY FACULTY & STAFF

PROFILES

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Malcolm Young Cyber Success

Cyber Success

A Navy veteran finds his passion – and a job at Lockheed Martin – in the high-demand field of cybersecurity.

MSU Denver Three Minute Talk Competition (3MT)

The 2nd prize winner, Dagiadi Rebolledo (CYBM alum, Class of 2022) studied under the mentorship of Dr. Meg Bertoni. The Office of Graduate Studies hosted the competition on January 25, 2023.

MSU Denver Graduate Studies 2023 3MT Competition

2023 College of Health & Applied Sciences Outstanding Student Awards

Congratulations!

Dagiadi Rebolledo, Cybersecurity, M.S. (Class of 2022)

 

 

 

CYBER NEWS

Cyber students PISCES Program

Through the PISCES program, MSU Denver student Monica Ball helps protect civic institutions across Colorado from cyberattacks. Photo by Alyson McClaran

Cyber students help protect civic institutions vulnerable to hackers

MSU Denver’s PISCES program provides cybersecurity monitoring for organizations throughout Colorado and gives students real-world experience in the process.

Cyber Superhero

Cyber Heroes Prepare for Battle

With cybercrime soaring, the race is on to train a new generation of digital defenders.

MSU Denver student Soren Singpiel, left, works with alumna Ashley Danielle Aguilar at Lockheed Martin. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

Partnership Opens Pipeline from MSU Denver to Lockheed Martin

The aerospace, technology and defense corporation is hiring students to support projects in AI, cybersecurity and more.

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The Future of Cyberwar

The U.S. rallies its cyber defenses as the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates on and off the battlefield.

DEvelynCyberPatriotsReillyHarringtonEllaThomasandAishaniDutta

Shattering the Cybersecurity Glass Ceiling

An all-girls squad from D’Evelyn Junior High School code and collaborate their way to the national CyberPatriot competition.

MSU Denver Aims to Improve Diversity in Cybersecurity Field

Diverse Issues in Higher Education Article

UPCOMING EVENTS

Graduate Student Research Scholarship Fair April 26, 2024 from 10 am to 2 pm, Multicultural Lounge, Tivoli Student Union. Please register by April 5. Email brwilberdi@msudenver.edu if you have any questions.

PAST EVENTS

3-Minute Talks MSU Denver Final Competition Flyer

The Cybersecurity Center PISCES Potluck

Date: Friday, December 1, 2023

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Location: The Cybersecurity Center

1250 7th Street Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: Come and enjoy various dishes prepared by Tier 2 Team Leaders and Tier 3 Analysts. Bring something to share if you’d like. Backdoors and Breaches will also be played at this time.

Event Flyer

National Security Agency visits The Cybersecurity Center at MSU Denver

Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023

Time: 8:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Location: The Cybersecurity Center

1205 7th Street Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: Join us for an exciting event as the National Security Agency (NSA) pays a visit to MSU Denver. This in-person event will provide a unique opportunity to learn about the NSA’s role in national security, cybersecurity, and intelligence gathering. Whether you’re interested in a career in these fields or simply curious about the work of the NSA, this event is for you.

During the visit, you’ll have the chance to interact with NSA representatives, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into the agency’s operations. Discover how the NSA contributes to protecting our nation’s interests and learn about the cutting-edge technologies they employ.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to engage with professionals from the NSA and expand your knowledge in the field of national security. Mark your calendars and be sure to join us at MSU Denver for this enlightening event. RSVP required to attend.

Event Flyer

Coffee and Cocoa Social: A Talk with Scott Shadler hosted by CyberBridge

Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Aerospace & Engineering Sciences Building (AES), Forum 150

1449 7th Street, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: Dive into the dynamic world of technology and cybersecurity with an interactive session led by a seasoned IT Director who has been at the forefront of the industry for over two decades. With a track record of steering global tech solutions and spearheading award-winning innovations, he brings knowledge and first-hand experience in problem-solving and talent acquisition. He has been in charge of the hiring process for top firms nationwide.

This event is a golden opportunity for anyone aspiring to excel in the competitive field of IT. Learn the subtleties that can make your resume stand out. The skill sets that top companies desperately seek and the mindset needed to thrive in fast-paced tech environments. Whether seeking your first role or aiming to advance your career, the insights offered here could be the catalyst you need for your next big opportunity.

RSVP Link

A Talk with Alex Weinert, Microsoft VP of Identity & Security

Date: Monday, October 30, 2023

Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Reception to Follow.

Location: CAVEA Theater, Room 420

Jordan Student Success Building (JSSB)

890 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: Join us to hear Alex discuss the need for diverse opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.

Event Flyer

Cybersecurity Speakers Bureau

Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023

Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Tivoli Student Union, Room 444

900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: In celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) presents the Cybersecurity Speakers Bureau. Come and gain insider information about the cybersecurity field from industry professionals. All are welcome to attend.

Event Flyer

Colorado Graduate School Fair at MSU Denver

Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Tivoli Student Union, Turnhalle, Room 250 (First Floor)

900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: Explore Graduate Programs: Whether you are an interested undergraduate, alum or returning graduate student, discover the diverse graduate programs offered around Colorado and here at MSU Denver.

Event Flyer

Campus Catalyst: MSU Denver-DU Hack 23

Dates: Saturday October 21 – Sunday October 22, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Computer Science (ECS) Building, Room 510

University of Denver

2155 East Wesley Avenue Denver, CO 80208

Event Details: Join us for MSU Denver and DU’s first join Hack-a-Thon!

Event Flyer

Women in Cybersecurity Candle Making Event

Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Jordan Student Success Building (JSSB) 2nd Floor at Mezzanine

900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: Come join us for an evening of fun with a chance to connect and learn more about women in cyber!

Event Flyer

Cybersecurity Graduate Programs Fall Welcome

Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Aerospace & Engineering Sciences Building (AES), Forum 150

1449 7th Street, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: The Departments of Criminal Justice & Criminology, Computer Information Systems & Business Analytics, and Computer Science formally welcomed the Fall 2023 Cohort. Newly admitted students networked with cohort members, faculty, current students, and alumni.

Event Flyer

Cybersecurity Panel: Criminal Justice Matters! Smart on Cybersecurity

Date: Monday, May 1, 2023

Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Location: Tivoli Student Union, Room 444

900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: Cybersecurity professionals spoke about the reality of working in cybersecurity, topics include: cybersecurity isn’t only about computers but behavior and criminal justice perspective of cybersecurity.

Raíces Cyber Denver Chapter Presents: Malware Reverse Engineering with James Leo

Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Aerospace & Engineering Science Building (AES)

1449 7th St, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: Raíces Cyber Org (national organization) is the Hispanic, Latino, Latina, LatinX and Our Allies International Association in Cybersecurity.  Raíces Cyber Org’s Mission is to Encourage and Support the Hispanic, Latino, Latina and LatinX Cyber Community to achieve Greater representation in the Cyber Workforce.

“Raíces Cyber, Changing the World by Creating DIVERSITY of Thought in Cyber”

MSU Denver Graduate Studies Fair

Dates: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 and Thursday, March 2, 2023

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Jordan Student Success Building (JSSB)

890 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: The Office of Graduate Studies hosted a two day Graduate Fair with information tables and representatives from each of the graduate programs.

Event Flyer

Cybersecurity Networking Panel Discussion

Date: Friday, November 4, 2022

Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Location: Tivoli Student Union, Room 444

900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204

Event Details: Career Planning Advice & Strategies On Post-Pandemic Hiring Trends & Opportunities

Sponsors: Women in Cybersecurity and Raices

Event Flyer

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Hooding & Pinning Ceremony

Specialty Celebrations

CONGRATS GRADUATES!

ALUMNI RESOURCES

To find a host of exciting events, career support resources, and opportunities to engage with fellow Roadrunners, visit the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) Alumni Relations page.

Cybersecurity Graduate Programs

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our office by emailing Destiny Watkins, Cybersecurity Program Manager.

EMAIL Cybersecurity Program Manager

Office Location & Hours

We are located in the Administration Building, Suite 310.

In-Person Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Virtual Hours: Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Auraria Campus Map & Parking Information

 

 

Mailing Address

Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Campus Box 10
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362