Master of Science in Information Technology - Cybersecurity Concentration Online

Enhance your expertise in protecting networks, responding to cyber threats, and conducting digital investigations. This hands-on, industry-aligned graduate program prepares you for high-demand roles in cybersecurity.

Apply By: 1/6/26
Start Class: 1/20/26 Apply Now

Program Overview

Advance your expertise with an online MS in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration

The MS in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration from Emporia State University helps you go beyond the basics to defend any organization against cyber threats. Through immersive, hands-on learning and a curriculum that evolves with industry needs, you will master the skills to secure networks, detect and respond to cyberattacks, and conduct detailed digital forensic analysis to stop cybercrime in its tracks.

The program covers core areas including threat intelligence, incident response, network configuration, and using industry tools like Splunk and Wireshark. You will also prepare for top industry certifications and benefit from direct ties to the cybersecurity industry through ESU’s Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center (CyROC). Whether you are launching or advancing your cybersecurity career, this program positions you for leadership in a high-demand field.

In this online MS in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration program, you will:

  • Design, configure, and manage secure networks using current protocols, firewall technology, and security best practices
  • Identify, analyze, and effectively respond to cybersecurity incidents using industry-standard tools and methodologies
  • Conduct forensic investigations, preserve digital evidence, and analyze threats utilizing advanced digital forensic techniques
  • Apply threat intelligence and threat-hunting techniques proactively to detect, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity threats
  • Integrate foundational cybersecurity principles to protect operating systems, endpoints, and network environments
  • Achieve knowledge alignment with recognized industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Cisco CyberOps Associate, and Certified Cybersecurity Technician
  • Design, configure, and manage secure networks using current protocols, firewall technology, and security best practices
  • Identify, analyze, and effectively respond to cybersecurity incidents using industry-standard tools and methodologies
  • Conduct forensic investigations, preserve digital evidence, and analyze threats utilizing advanced digital forensic techniques
  • Apply threat intelligence and threat-hunting techniques proactively to detect, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity threats
  • Integrate foundational cybersecurity principles to protect operating systems, endpoints, and network environments
  • Achieve knowledge alignment with recognized industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Cisco CyberOps Associate, and Certified Cybersecurity Technician

This AACSB-accredited online MSIT program prepares you for roles such as:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst 
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst (Level I-II) 
  • Incident Response Analyst 
  • Network Security Specialist 
  • Digital Forensics Analyst 
  • Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst 
  • Cyber Defense Analyst 
  • Information Security Specialist 
  • Cybersecurity Analyst 
  • Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst (Level I-II) 
  • Incident Response Analyst 
  • Network Security Specialist 
  • Digital Forensics Analyst 
  • Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst 
  • Cyber Defense Analyst 
  • Information Security Specialist 

Also available:

Emporia State offers a variety of online master's degrees. Check out all of our online graduate programs in technology.

$11,979* Total Tuition
As few as 12 months Duration
33 Credit Hours

Accreditation

AACSB accredited logo

The Emporia State University School of Business and Technology is accredited by AACSB International (AACSB).

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Tuition

Earn your degree with our affordable tuition

Emporia State University offers an accessible and affordable degree designed to give you the expertise needed to make an immediate impact on your career. Tuition for the MSIT – Cybersecurity Concentration online program is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.

Tuition breakdown:

$11,979* Total Tuition
$363 Per Credit Hour

Calendar

Keep track of important dates and deadlines

The MS in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration program is delivered in an online format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring six start dates each year. Choose the start date that's best for you.

7 week coursesProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment Due
Spring 2026, Session I1/20/261/6/261/9/261/13/261/16/26
Spring 2026, Session II3/23/263/9/263/12/263/16/263/19/26
Summer 2026, Session I5/18/265/4/265/7/265/11/265/14/26
Summer 2026, Session II7/6/266/22/266/25/266/29/267/1/26

Now enrolling:

1/6/26 Apply Date
1/20/26 Class Starts

Have questions or need more information about Emporia State online programs?

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from Emporia State?

Admissions

Learn the admission process for the MSIT – Cybersecurity Concentration

To apply for the MS in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration online degree program, you must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited (or equivalent) institution. GMAT waivers can be awarded based on a combination of work experience and undergraduate GPA.

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 GPA on undergraduate coursework

MS in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration Online Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited (or equivalent) institution
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 system) cumulative or in the last 60 semester hours of study
  • Coursework completed toward a master’s program may be included in the most recent 60 hours
  • Minimum GPA of 2.65 may be considered
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • 3 credit hours of applied statistics or equivalent and 3 credit hours of an object-oriented programming course (or relevant IT work experience) are required prior to enrolling in the program.

Applicants with a 2.65 to 2.99 GPA may be admitted if other factors point to likely success in the program. Some categories that will highlight potential for success include:

  • 3 or more years of experience managing technology resources
  • 2-4 years of work experience or study in a field that includes quantitative analysis

Official transcripts from all institutions attended can be submitted via a secure electronic service offered by the issuing institution to [email protected] or by selecting Emporia State University on the transcript request form, mailed (or overnighted) to:

Emporia State University
Graduate School
Room 313 Plumb Hall
1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801

Students who have obtained a degree from a foreign university/college must have a transcript evaluation from a recommended external source that is a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services). Students will not be allowed to enroll until the evaluation has been received in the Graduate School.

Have a question? Call us at 800-721-2248.

Courses

Discover what you will study in your MSIT – Cybersecurity program

The MS in Information Technology – Cybersecurity Concentration online curriculum is comprised of 11 courses (33 credit hours), including 24 credit hours of core courses and 9 credit hours of concentration courses.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will present project management techniques, potential problems and overall decision-making associated with software-development projects. Specific topics will address planning, organizing, scheduling and controlling information technology projects, current tools and techniques, and the roles and responsibilities of project managers.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an in-depth study of SDLC. Emphasis is placed on the tools and techniques that a project leader and systems analyst uses to analyze, design, document, and manage information systems projects. The traditional structured approach to systems analysis is explained. Hands-on assignments are used to provide students with opportunities to apply communication and problem- solving skills and to formulate solutions that address scenarios faced by systems analysts in the business world.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of advanced database concepts including data modeling, normalization, data warehousing, big data, and data security. This course also focuses on to explore various database models including object-orientated model, client-server models, cloudbased model, and NoSQL model as well as to apply these concepts to solve business problems.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course plan to give students an in-depth understanding of the field of Cloud Computing, its enabling technologies, and main building blocks. Students will gain hands-on experience solving relevant problems through projects that will utilize various public cloud tools. The objective of this course is that students will develop the skills needed to become a practitioner or carry out research projects in this domain.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces students to programming with Python. Due to its extraordinary combination of power and ease of use, Python has become the tool of choice for developing user-friendly applications in the business world. In this course students will learn the essentials of this object-oriented/event driven language. Students will also be introduced to the use of python in building applications.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides students with the CIO-level management perspective and skills of an enterprise architect. Students will learn that enterprise architectures are best developed incrementally, by system development projects that are aligned with strategic goals and the enterprise architecture. The course provides students with the understanding and skills needed to define and implement successful enterprise architectures that provide real value to organizations, such as substantially reducing IT costs while improving performance, agility and alignment of information technology to business goals.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to enhance and expand the knowledge and skill of students interested in careers in Business Analytics. Concepts, methods, and models used in business analytics will be considered toward the improvement of business decisions. Data, statistical analysis, quantitative methods and computer based models will be used to gain deeper and broader business insights and better fact-based decision making.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is study of the management of information technology as it is practiced in organizations today. Traditional organizations are moving toward a more interconnected or networked business environment. A major focus will be understanding the role and use of complex technology in the support of individual, workgroup, enterprise, inter-enterprise and international computing.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces foundational principles of cybersecurity within network environments. Students will learn essential skills in network protocols, IP addressing, firewall confiugrations, and basic risk management, building a secure network infrastructure and monitoring network traffic for potential threats.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course equips students with core skills in system security and incident response, focusing on securing operating systems (Windows and Linux) and managing security incidents. Students will engage in practical exercises to understand access control, endpoint security, and response procedures for handling cyber threats.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a foundation in digital forensics and threat intelligence gathering. Students will learn investigative techniques to analyze cybersecurity incidents, collect digital evidence, and perform threat analysis. Hands-on labs will involve tools like Wireshark and Splunk to simulate real-world forensics scenarios.

*Tuition is subject to change on an annual basis.

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