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The 30-credit Master of Arts in Cybersecurity program is designed for students who wish to add the core concepts of cybersecurity to their portfolio of skills in a specific discipline or industry. As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, organizations will need skilled employees who understand the threats to business and infrastructure and can effectively create strategies to mitigate risks. Students in the program will understand the legal, managerial, and policy implications of cybersecurity work and conduct research prior to completing the program. Graduates will possess the adequate preparation to pursue N+ and S+ certifications and take the exam to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

The M.S. Cybersecurity works to provide students with a thorough grounding in the technology and practice of cybersecurity. The program focuses on development of career professionals wishing to document their skillset, develop their skills in this arena, or improve on their security skill set related to technology. Ideal candidates have some technical background or are willing to pursue study prior to beginning the program to develop their technology background. The program is designed around industry certifications and standards and provides a diverse background leading to entry level careers (for those transitioning from other areas) and career advancement (for those with prior background in technology). The program is taught online using virtual environments to support simulation and analysis of operating systems. Theory and practice are both considered critical components of the program. Students shall complete a limited on site matriculation for a capstone project and a thesis demonstrating research capabilities.

The M.S. Cybersecurity program was created in partnership with industry professionals and is taught fully online using virtual environments to simulate the operating systems that you’ll monitor on the job.

Students should submit an application to the University which includes copies of transcripts (which include: clear indication of the receipt of an undergraduate degree; indication of completion of 2 computer programming courses and two networking courses within the last 10 years or a plan to complete these courses as a deficiency; and a copy of a local BCI (or equivalent document; BCI documents can normally be obtained from a local police agency or other State of Federal institution, assistance from Â鶹ɫÇéƬ may be obtained for this portion of the application if necessary).

Offered with the Â鶹ɫÇéƬ School of Law

Drawing on the strengths of the Â鶹ɫÇéƬ School of Justice Studies and School of Law, Â鶹ɫÇéƬ offers a concentrated joint degree program for students interested in cybersecurity. The dual degree program allows matriculated students to complete the Master of Arts in Cybersecurity (MACyber) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) in an accelerated period of study. The School of Justice Studies and the School of Law will each accept 12 transfer credits from the other, allowing students to save money and reduce the overall time needed to complete both degrees.

FORTUNE named the master's programs in Cybersecurity at Roger Williams among the "Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degrees in 2023."

Â鶹ɫÇéƬ has been designated as a by the National Security Agency, identifying the university as a leader in cybersecurity education.  

The NSA’s prestigious designation recognizes Â鶹ɫÇéƬ’s commitment to excellence in cybersecurity and cyber defense and its ability to develop a pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. Â鶹ɫÇéƬ has received the national academic certification for cybersecurity education through the academic year 2028. 
Read more about Â鶹ɫÇéƬ's NSA Designation

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science/Master of Arts in Cybersecurity degree program, applicants must hold an earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university (4+1 students must be enrolled and in good standing in an undergraduate program.)  

To apply, submit the following:

1. Completed application form and $50 application fee. An application fee is not required for Â鶹ɫÇéƬ students.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. The Office of Graduate Admission will obtain transcripts on behalf of Â鶹ɫÇéƬ students.
3. Letter of Intent (two double-spaced pages maximum) describing your interest in the program, what you will add to the program, and your professional plans.
4. Two letters of recommendation attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school
5. If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for admission. Applicants with an overall GPA below 3.0 are strongly encouraged to take either the GRE or MAT. Applicants for the Joint M.S./J.D. must apply separately to the School of Law, and must submit an LSAT score.  International applicants should also read additional requirements for non-U.S. residents.

Each application will be reviewed using a portfolio approach - all parts of the application will be considered, inclusive of grades and trend of grades, letters of recommendation, the letter of intent, and other information that candidates for admission may wish to submit.

Where appropriate, documents should be submitted via email to gradadmit@rwu.edu. Any official documents that must be mailed (i.e. transcripts) should be sent directly to:

Office of Graduate Admission
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809

Have questions about the application process? Visit the from the Office of Graduate Admission.