DEFENDING THE DIGITAL LANDSCAPE LOOKS LIKE
Breadcrumb
Credit hours: 30+ (possible prerequisites)
Full-time, part-time
Evening and online
Primarily 8-week courses
Start terms: fall, spring, summer
GMAT/GRE Optional
The Next Generation of Cybersecurity Leaders Looks Like YOU
In an era where digital threats are escalating, organizations are in dire need of professionals who can safeguard their critical data and systems. CU Denver's MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program is designed to equip you with the technical expertise and strategic insight needed to lead in this critical field. Through hands-on learning with real-world security tools, you'll develop proficiency in ethical hacking, digital forensics, cloud security, and IT risk management. Each class brings you closer to becoming the security professional organizations desperately need.
In the CU Denver MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program, you’ll gain the technical expertise and strategic insight to defend digital infrastructure, assess and mitigate cyber risk, and lead cybersecurity initiatives across sectors. With a career-focused approach, this degree equips you to step into high-demand security roles and become an indispensable asset in a digitally connected world.
Unlike an MBA, which provides broad exposure to business functions, the Master’s in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance is deeply specialized in the tools, tactics, and frameworks needed to protect critical systems. You’ll explore topics such as ethical hacking, digital forensics, cloud security, and IT governance, gaining advanced skills to lead in one of today’s fastest-growing fields.
Taught by faculty with deep industry ties and recognized research in security, privacy, and risk management, this program blends academic rigor with real-world relevance. The curriculum includes hands-on labs, scenario-based simulations, and flexible course delivery—including evening and online options—to meet the needs of working professionals and career pivoters alike.
The CU Denver MS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program positions you to protect what matters most while advancing your career in a critical, mission-driven field. With flexible delivery, industry support, and nationally recognized faculty, it’s your launchpad into the cybersecurity workforce.
You'll have full access to our Business Career Center team for life. With over 10 years of recruiting and advising experience, they'll help you navigate your way through the corporate recruiting process. Our connections to over 300 business partners provide exclusive opportunities to network with industry leaders. Their services include:
- Career workshops – perfect your resume, LinkedIn profile, and job search process
- Individual appointments – explore what your personal career path looks like, review your resume, or schedule a mock interview
- Career events – hone your networking skills and meet hiring managers from top companies
- Job announcements – monthly emails with the latest job and internship opportunities specific to your degree
The Master’s in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance curriculum consists of 30 credit hours that blend foundational cybersecurity knowledge with specialized and customizable coursework.
Core Courses (21 hours)
Start by mastering the essential principles and tools needed to protect and defend digital assets. These 7 core courses provide a strong technical and strategic foundation in cybersecurity:
- Information Systems Security and Privacy
- Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
- Digital Forensics
- IT Governance and Risk Management
- Cloud Security
- Networking
- Python Programming
Electives (6 hours)
Customize your degree by selecting two elective courses that align with your career goals, industry interests, or desired certifications. Elective offerings allow you to explore advanced technical topics or broaden your understanding of information assurance, management, and analytics. Popular electives include:
- Data Mining for Business Intelligence
- Data Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Strategic IT Leadership
- Blockchain and Emerging Technologies
Experiential Component (3 hours)
Students will also complete a Design Science Practicum or pursue an internship, gaining real-world experience in high-stakes security environments. This hands-on component enhances readiness for roles in government, finance, healthcare, and beyond.
Most graduate courses are offered as an 8-week session within the 16-week fall and spring semesters. Graduate courses in the summer semester extend for the entire semester, which is an 8-week session as well.
National research shows increased graduation rates among students taking courses in an 8-week session. The data on 8-week courses shows increased student success and course completion rates. The course material is condensed into eight weeks. So, while the weekly workload is greater, you can complete the course in half the time! It is recommended to take one course per each 8-week session, particularly if you work full-time, which allows you to place your focus on just that course.
Additionally, offering courses in 8-week sessions every semester enables you to balance and manage life responsibilities while still prioritizing your education. For instance, if you have a vacation, family commitment or business trip occurring in the first 8-week session, you can choose to enroll only in a course offered in the second eight-week session.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Assess cyber risks and apply risk mitigation strategies to protect systems, networks, and organizational data.
Identify and respond to cybersecurity threats using tools and techniques such as ethical hacking, intrusion detection, and digital forensics.
Evaluate legal, ethical, and regulatory implications of cybersecurity decisions in business, healthcare, government, and other industries.
Design and implement secure IT architectures and governance frameworks aligned with organizational goals.
Analyze real-world cybersecurity incidents to inform strategic decision-making and future prevention efforts.
Communicate technical information and security policies clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Collaborate across departments to lead security initiatives and foster a culture of cyber awareness and resilience.
These learning outcomes are measured through lab-based assessments, team projects, case studies, and simulations embedded across the curriculum.
Explore Careers in Cybersecurity
A master’s degree in cybersecurity from the University of Colorado Denver opens the door to one of the most in-demand and rapidly growing career fields. As digital threats escalate across all industries, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to outpace supply. This program equips you with the practical knowledge, leadership ability, and technical skills needed to safeguard systems and guide strategic security initiatives in virtually any sector.
Whether you're transitioning into cybersecurity or advancing an existing career, this degree positions you for long-term success with flexible pathways into specialized roles through elective coursework and hands-on experience.
Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity:
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Security Analyst: Monitor networks, detect vulnerabilities, and prevent cyberattacks in real-time.
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Cyber Risk and Compliance Manager: Assess organizational risk and ensure adherence to industry regulations and governance frameworks.
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Digital Forensics Investigator: Analyze and trace cyber incidents to uncover evidence, support investigations, and prevent future breaches.
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Cloud Security Engineer: Design and maintain secure cloud environments for organizations shifting to hybrid and remote infrastructures.
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Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Lead enterprise-wide security strategy and oversee organizational cyber readiness.
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Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Simulate cyberattacks to uncover weaknesses before malicious actors do.
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Security Consultant: Advise companies on designing, implementing, and improving their cybersecurity programs.
For a full picture of how a CU Denver Cybersecurity degree can accelerate your career in this critical field, visit our Careers page for more resources, employer connections, and support services.
Tuition
The cost of tuition for the Masters in Cybersecurity and Assurance degree is different for in-state and out-of-state students.
Residents of western states may qualify for in-state tuition. The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) requires students to maintain current residency of WRGP state until degree completion.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for students. As a current student, you can apply for scholarships every semester. Some awards are based on program and course enrollment.
Newly Admitted and Continuing Students:
You can apply for additional scholarships every semester of enrollment. Some awards may be specific to individual programs or enrollment in specific courses. Certain certificates, including risk management and insurance, commodities, and entrepreneurship, have additional scholarship opportunities.
Application Checklist
- $50 domestic, $75 international application fee
- Online application
- Official transcripts from each college or university attended
- Essay responses
- Resume
- GMAT/GRE optional
- English language proficiency—international applicants only
Application Process
To be considered for admission, applicants must submit all required materials listed above. Interviews are not required as part of the standard admission process.
For priority consideration, ensure your application, transcripts, and other materials are submitted before the posted deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and most students receive a decision within two to three weeks of completing their application file.
You can track your application status through the account you create when applying online.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from an international university.
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No specific work experience or prior technical degree is required, although a background in IT, computer science, or a related field is helpful.
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GMAT/GRE scores are optional and not required for admission. Applicants with a GPA below 3.25 or limited professional experience may be asked to submit additional materials to demonstrate readiness for graduate-level study.
How Decisions Are Made
The admissions committee takes a holistic approach, reviewing your full profile to assess readiness for the program. This includes:
- Academic transcripts
- Essay responses
- Work experience
- Technical background (if applicable)
- Extracurricular and community involvement
- Letters of recommendation (if submitted)
- GMAT/GRE scores (if submitted)
Candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If you lack a technical degree, core courses will help build your foundational knowledge—including programming fundamentals in Python.
For questions or help completing your application, contact our admissions team at bschool.admissions@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-8200.
International Applicants
International applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English.
To determine English Language Proficiency (ELP), you must complete one of the following:
- English language proficiency test
- Citizenship exemption
- Coursework completion
- CU Denver ESL Academy (Level 5) graduation
- Exception for certain visa types
For more details about the English Language Proficiency requirement, please visit the following page.
Please note for Business School graduate programs TOEFL minimum scores are 90 (IBT) or 575 (PBT). Our IELTS minimum score is 6.5.
International graduate applicants will have their academic credentials evaluated by CU Denver’s Office of International Affairs
Plan to submit materials early to expedite processing. Deadlines apply to all required documents.
Fall
Domestic Applications
- Priority: April 15
- Final: July 15
International Applications
- Priority: March 15
- Final: May 15
Spring
Domestic Applications
- Priority: October 15
- Final: December 15
International Applications
- Priority: September 15
- Final: October 15
Summer
Domestic Applications
- Priority: February 15
- Final: April 15
International Applications
- Priority: January 15
- Final: March 15
Our Business Career Connections (BCC) office connects top Denver employers to our students. They know what recruiters are looking for and have a wealth of resources that you have access to as a student and alumnus.
As a student, you’ll have access to a number of high-profile guest speakers and industry leaders. Past speakers and advisory partners have included executives from companies such as:
- Ball Aerospace
- Federal Reserve Bank
- Kaiser Permanente
- Arrow Electronics
- Lockheed Martin
- Accenture
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Upcoming events
Attend a graduate open house, online or in-person information session, or a GMAT test prep workshop. Visit our events page for all upcoming events.