COURSE CURRICULUM

The Cybersecurity master’s program at the University of North Texas is a highly specialized graduate degree designed to prepare students for advanced roles in information security, defense, and digital risk management. A major strength of the program is the UNT Center for Information and Cyber Security (CICS), which has been designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in both Cyber Defense Education and Research, reflecting its strong national reputation in cybersecurity education. The curriculum includes six core cybersecurity courses along with five additional electives selected from an approved list, allowing students to build both foundational knowledge and specialized expertise in areas of interest. Students can choose between a 30-hour thesis option, which combines 24 hours of coursework with 6 hours of research-based thesis work, or a 33-hour non-thesis course option focused entirely on advanced coursework. Financial and academic support is available through teaching and research assistantships, which provide a monthly stipend and may also qualify students for in-state tuition rates or tuition and fee support, making the program more accessible. The degree is also highly valued in the job market, with information security professionals earning an average salary of around $106,000 per year and strong industry demand due to a large global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Graduates are often considered equivalent to having two years of industry experience and frequently secure leadership roles soon after completing the program. Career opportunities include roles such as security administrators, architects, managers, scientists, and technical specialists. The curriculum covers key subjects such as introduction to computer security, computer forensics, secure electronic commerce, secure software systems, network security, and applications of cryptography, providing a strong balance of theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to protect modern digital systems.