Adult student, sitting on her couch with a laptop propped in front of her, studying for her Cybersecurity Master degree.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

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Meet with faculty and learn more about our 12 online master’s degree programs at a virtual open house in February. Click here for more information.

Program Overview

Starting Fall 2026

Launching in Fall 2026, the Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSC) prepares you to lead and defend in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Students choose between two tracks: Cyber Operations and Engineering, which is more technical, and Cybersecurity Management, which is focused on managerial skills. Courses are aligned to top industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISM, and CISSP. This fully online program positions graduates to pursue leadership roles in corporate, government, or consultancy settings.

What to Expect

100% Online

24/7 flexibility to study when and where it’s convenient for you

12-24 Months


Full- and part-time options

8-Week Courses

Earn your degree at a pace that works for you with six sessions every year

Why Choose Columbia College for Your Master’s in Cybersecurity?

  • Flexible and accessible: 100% online, so you can continue working while earning your degree.
  • Aligned with top industry certifications: Each course is designed to prepare students for at least one certification exam: Security+, PenTest+, CISM, CISA, and CISSP.
  • Two track options: Choose between Cyber Operations and Engineering and Cybersecurity Management to tailor your degree to your career goals.
  • Tailored capstone projects: Apply what you’re learning to real-world problems through comprehensive final projects.
  • Expert faculty: Learn from program instructors who have real-world experience in cybersecurity and management.

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What Students Are Saying

Joining Columbia College changed my life. Before enrolling, I was experiencing my most unsuccessful years, losing the things that gave my life meaning. In my time with Columbia, I have found the steps to rebuild my life and myself. My success here is exactly what I need to redefine how I see myself and relocate my self-esteem.

Michael Guthrie

Oak Harbor, Washington

Curriculum Overview

Note: Catalog entry coming soon.
After completing four core courses covering technical skills and management strategies, you’ll choose one of two tracks:

Cyber Operations and Engineering
A technical, hands-on pathway designed for students with IT or computing backgrounds, this track prepares students for roles like cybersecurity analyst, penetration tester, or threat hunter.

Cybersecurity Management
Geared toward students with business or auditing backgrounds, preparing them for positions in risk management, compliance, auditing, and leadership (e.g., CISO roles).

Accreditation

Logo for Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation

Columbia College has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Admission Details

Admission to the MS Cybersecurity program requires either a baccalaureate degree in computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, or related field; or completion of undergraduate prerequisite courses equivalent to the following with a grade of C or higher:

  • CISS 301 Operating Systems and Cloud Computing OR COSC 370 Operating Systems

and

  • CISS 302 Business Data Communications and Networking OR COSC 410 Computer Networks and Communications
Upcoming Academic Sessions Classes Start
Early Spring Session January 12, 2026
Late Spring Session March 9, 2026
Early Summer Session May 4, 2026

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Tuition and Aid

At Columbia College, we believe a quality graduate degree should be within reach. Our tuition is competitively priced among private, nonprofit colleges, and there are no hidden fees, ever. With financial aid, military tuition assistance, employer reimbursement programs, and more, our financial aid advisors are ready to help you explore options and make your degree affordable.

Straightforward Pricing
Our grad programs cost $585 per credit hour. Tuition is transparent here — with zero hidden fees, ever.

Tuition Details

Generous Financial Aid
Scholarships, payment plans, loans, and more are available to all. We'll help you find the assistance you need to budget confidently.

Affordability at CC

Reduced Tuition for Partnership Organization Employees
We partner with hundreds of companies and organizations to offer 15% off tuition to employees and their families.

Participating Organizations

Why Students Love Learning Online at Columbia College

We’ve been leading the way in flexible learning options since 2000. Our students are all over the world living their real lives, holding down jobs, and caring for others while learning their way to something better.

Here’s what you can expect from an online degree at CC:

  • Flexible coursework designed to help you create your future on your terms
  • Interactive courses using modern, industry-standard tools for hands-on learning
  • Personalized support from experienced faculty through regular virtual check-ins
  • A connected global community of 100,000+ students and alumni

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Career Outcomes

Depending on your track, you may pursue careers like Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester, Threat Intelligence Specialist, Security Risk Manager, Security Auditor, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and more.

Where You Can Take Classes

At Columbia College, our flexible options make it easy to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue your education wherever life takes you. Many of our degrees are offered 100% online. If you prefer a traditional classroom experience, you can attend selected classes at our nationwide locations or at our main campus in Columbia, Missouri. Students at all locations will engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree.

Online Programs

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because a future built by you is a future built for you.

Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them — that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.