pieces of a computer; hands typing on a laptop keyboard; 4 people at a cybersecurity event

Master's of Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management

With the precipitous rise in global cyber crime, espionage and terrorism, it is little surprise that cybersecurity is now the number one national security issue we face. Yet as these agents of chaos seem to multiply by the minute, we’re facing a crucial shortage of cybersecurity leaders who can take on this fight. To solve the cybersecurity problem, we must fill this critical gap.

Designed in consultation with key government, military and law enforcement organizations, our Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management master’s program scrutinizes issues of law, policy and leadership expressly to create the next generation of cybersecurity’s strategic leaders. With a degree that can be completed in as little as 16 months, you will learn from the field’s top experts about the strategies and practices that protect critical information and make sure that the world’s digital infrastructure remains secure.

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Member of the NFOPU Consortium

Program at a Glance

16 months

A 36-credit master’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 16 months.

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Designed in consultation with key government, military and law enforcement organizations.

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Named a Federal Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance by the Department of Homeland Security

Program News

Where You'll Study

You can study fully online or in-person. The in-person program holds evening and weekend classes in Arlington, VA and Ashburn, VA.
***Note: Class location subject to change by semester due to instructor and classroom availability

What You'll Study

In 36 credits and 16 months, you can earn your MPS in Cybersecurity and Information Management. Designed for working professionals in the justice, public safety, and information technology fields, you will be able to use and oversee information systems in the fight against crime, terrorism, and other pressing security issues.

Courses

In-Person Program Schedule

Students are admitted to the in-person program for the Fall semester, in a cohort format.
Students attend classes one night per week at our Graduate Education Center in Arlington, VA, plus one weekend per month in Ashburn, VA (Saturday and Sunday).
Weeknight classes meet from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Weekend classes meet from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch.
All courses are three credit hours.
The program combines classroom-based and online instruction delivered via Blackboard, GW’s web-based educational platform.
The online component allows students to fit a full course load into their busy schedules, making it possible to complete the degree in sixteen months (four semesters).

Online Program

Students are admitted to the Online program for fall and spring semesters.
The online curriculum has the same curriculum requirements as the in-person program.
100% online – providing convenience and flexibility.

Who You'll Study With

Admissions Information

To be considered for the Cybersecurity MPS program you must:

Have a Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher (on the 4.0 point scale) from a regionally accredited college or university
Have a minimum of two years of professional experience in safety, security and/or information management

Graduate Admissions Process

Deadlines

Fully completed applications submitted on or before the priority deadline will receive an application fee waiver. An application file is considered “complete” when academic transcripts, recommendations, test scores (if applicable), employment verification (if applicable), and the completed online application (including resume and statement of purpose) are received.

In-person and online programs

Online program only

Costs & Aid

Our tuition and fees vary by program and location, generally increasing annually. This is an estimate based on current tuition rates and fee structures. Total tuition and fees will vary according to the courses taken and the timeframe in which you complete your coursework.

Rates Effective Summer 2019-Spring 2020 Terms

Curriculum: 12 courses (typically completed in 16 months)	36 Credits
Tuition (Summer 2019-Spring 2020 Terms):
Virginia classrooms: 36 credits @ $1,145/credit hour	$41,220
Online classrooms: 36 credits @ $1,145/credit hour	$41,220
Registration Fees: 4 registration sessions @ $35 each	$140
TOTAL: Virginia Classrooms: Tuition + Fees Online classrooms: Tuition + Fees	$41,220 $41,220

The costs of travel, meals and accommodations (if applicable) are not included in the tuition or fees.

Other costs to consider:

Application fee*

Textbooks:

$80

$500 (approx.)

Matriculation fee (one time)

$200

*The application fee is waived if all materials are received by the priority deadline.

Residency Accommodations

Students are responsible for the cost of their travel, meals, and accommodations.

Financial Aid

Please visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information on grants, scholarships, loans, and military education benefits.

You must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or refugee to apply for need-based financial aid.

Financial Aid Deadlines

Fall: May 1
Spring: October 1
Summer: March 1

Financial Aid Opportunities

Benefits & Scholarships for Veterans

GW's Military & Veteran Services provides wide-ranging resources and support to the military community, including GW scholarships and assistance with benefits:

Since Military and Veterans Services was created in 2008, GW has been an annual recipient of the Military Friendly Award and is also annually recognized as a Military Times “Best for Vets” higher education institution.

International Student Admissions

If you are an international student, please note that only our off-campus program is eligible for F-1 and J-1 visas. You must complete your applications at least two months before the listed admissions deadlines. If accepted, you must submit your visa application by July 1 for fall or November 1 for spring admission.

International Student Admissions Process

Contacts

Lynn McKnight

Senior Recruitment and Enrollment Specialist
[email protected]
(571) 553-0328
Schedule a time to chat

Elaine Lammert

Program Director
[email protected]
(703) 447-0720

Connie Uthoff

Associate Program Director
[email protected]
(301) 675-9905

Request Information

Information Sessions

We periodically offer online and in-person information sessions about Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management. Contact the program representative to learn more about upcoming events.