What are students saying about our program?
Hear from our students. Students in UNO's cybersecurity programs share how hands-on learning, research, and industry partnerships are preparing them for the field.
Lead the Next Generation of Cyber Intelligence & Operations
Program Overview
Cybersecurity is a critical field that stands at the forefront of protecting our increasingly digital society. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MS-CYBR) program equips students with the essential skills to design, develop, manage, and secure information systems. The modern world is made up of vast data exchanges and internet-connected systems with many kinds of private and confidential information on them. Our students learn to think like an adversary to ethically hack systems to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Our curriculum is certified by National Security Agency's National Cryptologic School as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). UNO holds two NCAE-C designations in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) and Cyber Operations (CAE-CO).
$132k
average salary for this degree1
25.3%
increased demand for careers in cybersecurity in the past 5 years1
448K
Unfilled positions in the USA in 20241
Concentrations
Cyber Operations
The Cyber Operations concentration within the Master's in Cybersecurity program focuses on advanced techniques and strategies to safeguard digital assets and infrastructures. This concentration equips students with expertise in network defense, incident response, and offensive cybersecurity tactics. Courses cover areas such as ethical hacking, malware analysis, cryptography, and cyber forensics. Students gain hands-on experience through labs and simulations, preparing them to anticipate, detect, and neutralize cyber threats effectively. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as security analysts, penetration testers, and cyber operations managers in various sectors.
Interdisciplinary
The Interdisciplinary concentration in the Master's in Cybersecurity program blends cybersecurity with policy and management information systems (MIS). This concentration prepares students to address the complex interplay between technology, policy, and business. Coursework includes cyber law, risk management, information assurance, and strategic planning. Students learn to develop and implement cybersecurity policies, manage information systems, and ensure compliance with regulations. Through a mix of technical and policy-oriented training, graduates are equipped for roles such as cybersecurity consultants, policy advisors, and IT managers, bridging the gap between technical expertise and organizational strategy.
Program Details
It is easy to get started with a master's degree in Cybersecurity. Students starting in CYBR with prior computing fundamentals jump right into the core of the cybersecurity master's degree. You will get started right away with core cybersecurity courses in digital forensics, software assurance, and principles of secure design. Next, you will choose 6 elective courses in one of the two concentration areas (Cyber operations or interdisciplinary). Both concentration areas offers a wide range of electives for you to customize your education and specialize in areas you are most interested in. Students entering the MS in CYBR with no technical background will also complete a few foundational computing classes first.
View the Cybersecurity Graduate Catalog for more specific details.
Careers in Cybersecurity
| Cybersecurity area of focus | Job titles in this area | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk Analysis | Cyber Risk Consultant | Threat Intelligence Analyst | Information Security Analyst |
| Penetration testing | Ethical Hacker | Web Application Penetration Tester | Network Penetration Tester |
| Network Security & Architecture | Security Systems Architect | Network Security Specialist | Enterprise Security Architect |
| Information Security Policy | Information Security Manager | Director of Information Security | Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) |
| Digital Forensics & Incident Response | Digital Forensics Investigator | Incident Response Coordinator | Intrusion Analyst |
| Secure Software Developement | Security Software Engineer | Application Security Engineer | Secure Software Developer |
Affording Your Graduate Education at UNO
UNO offers some of the most affordable graduate tuition rates in the region, plus a wide range of funding resources to support graduate students along the way.
Program Cost Estimate
Funding Opportunities
The Maverick Difference
UNO Launches Nebraska Cyber Matrix: Students Work With Local Firms to Combat Cyber Threats
The Nebraska Cyber Matrix pairs students with local businesses to fight real cybersecurity attacks, building homegrown talent with job-ready skills while protecting Nebraska's digital infrastructure.
"The hands-on experience from the program sets you up for the real-world"
Emily Mays, M.S Cybersecurity
Drones Are Everywhere. Hackers Are, Too. UNO is Working to Keep Nebraska’s UAVs Safe
As drones become essential to agriculture and public safety, a UNO team is developing AI-powered defenses against cyberattacks that could send them off course.
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1Source: Cyberseek