Overview
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Analytics (MSCA) is designed for real-world applied experience that combines cybersecurity and data analytics skills. This 12-month program is designed for graduate students seeking to strategically manage risk through identification, assessment, and mitigation; identify security issues on all levels of organizations and the globe, along with law and compliance; use data analytics to understand threats, situational awareness, and strategic cybersecurity environments; employ data analytics techniques to detect anomalies, to predict and screen cyber threats, and to take corrective actions; and learn penetration testing, incident handling, and data and network protection.
NOTE: This program is conducted face-to-face. All courses are available in-person at the CSUSB campus. An F-1 VISA will be provided to international students who are admitted.
As a STEM major, it enables international students to apply for a 12-month post-completion OPT, with an additional 24-month OPT extension.
If you're interested in Fully online option for MS CA (No F-1 VISA provided), please see more information on this website: Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Analytics | Professional and Continuing Education | CSUSB
Why Apply?
We work in a digital society where most data is stored electronically. This reality leads to an increase in accessible data that also leads to an increase in cyber threats. With this shift, cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing industries within the information technology space for government agencies. The Office of the Chief Information Officer is at the forefront of cybersecurity solutions for the U.S. Department of Labor and is constantly seeking the brightest talent to protect the data of America’s workers.
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Analytics program is innovative in that it recognizes the real-world reality of the need for experts in both cybersecurity and analytics. Across the nation, employers are struggling to find qualified workers to fill the major gaps in the cybersecurity workforce. In California alone, there are more than 72,000 job openings. The national figures are even bleaker, with more than 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions. The number is significantly increasing.
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be job-ready and prepared to create value for their organization after taking analytical and cybersecurity courses and a practicum/capstone course designed to reinforce learning and practice skills.
A rapidly growing industry
The cybersecurity field is booming. As of August 2022, there were over 700,000 open roles in cybersecurity in the United States and, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, jobs for information security analysts are expected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032. It’s clear that cyber talent is in demand.
Setting yourself apart
If you intend to join the cybersecurity industry of the future, there are a few ways you can set yourself apart.
Any candidate looking to stand out can invest in new skill sets. Penetration testing, also known as pen testing or ethical hacking, and application development security – both of which are in high demand. Additionally, candidates searching for a career in cybersecurity should prioritize training and certification programs. Training and certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) can help candidates validate and develop cybersecurity skills to align their skills with positions.
Cybersecurity is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing industries. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career path where you are protecting your community, people you care about, and the American public, this is the industry for you. Now is a great time to see yourself in cyber and find an opportunity to make an impact.
What are the most common Cybersecurity career paths?
| ENTRY-LEVEL | MID-LEVEL | SENIOR-LEVEL |
|---|---|---|
| Security Specialist | Security Auditor | Security Manager |
| Security Administrator | Security Engineer | Security Director |
| Vulnerability Assessor | Information Security Analyst | Chief Information Security Officer (CISO |
| Incident Reporter | Penetration Tester | Deputy CISO |
| Security Consultant | Incident Responder | |
| Security Analyst | Information Assurance Engineer | |
| Ethical Hacker | Cybersecurity Forensic Investigator | |
| Cryptographer |
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing throughout the state, the nation, and the globe.
U.S. News and World Report stated that the information security profession is growing at a rate of 36.5% through 2022 (link). The U.S. Department of Labor projected information security profession would be one of the top ten fastest-growing occupations, with a growth rate of 35.5%, from 2018-2028 (link). Across the globe (based on industry consensus) there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021, according to Cyber Security Ventures (link), and employers are struggling to find qualified workers to fill the major gaps in the cybersecurity workforce.
The U.S. has a total employed cybersecurity workforce consisting of nearly 1 million people, and there are currently almost 500,000 unfilled positions. In California alone, there are more than 72,000 job openings, with almost 1,600 openings in San Bernardino County (figures from CyberSeek’s Cybersecurity Supply And Demand Heat Map). Percentages of filled (relative to unfilled) cybersecurity positions show the huge gaps that exist as employers search for qualified cyber talent. The cybersecurity unemployment rate was at zero percent in 2019, where it has been since 2011.
Opportunities
| Job Title | Average Salary (2024) | Top Skill Requested | Total Job Openings (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $112,163 | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | 26,958 |
| IT Auditor | $98,058 | Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) | 8,369 |
| Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator | $160,294 | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | 20,649 |
| Penetration and Vulnerability Tester | $126,920 | GIAC Certifications, Offensive Security Certified Professional | 4,806 |