COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity Operations requires a total of 36 credit hours, consisting of core and elective courses designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. The core curriculum comprises 24 credit hours and includes foundational courses such as Introduction to Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Infrastructures, Cybersecurity Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Strategic Operations, Risk Management, Encryption Methods, Social Engineering, and a capstone course, Practical Research in Cybersecurity. This capstone involves either a research paper or an individual or team project that applies practical cybersecurity concepts. The remaining 12 credit hours are fulfilled through elective courses, where students select three electives (9 credit hours) from a list that includes topics like Cybersecurity Law and Policy, Threat Detection, Forensics, Cloud Computing, Emerging Technologies, Use and Protection of Space Assets, and Software Development. Students may also choose to complete a Cybersecurity Internship or explore advanced topics, with a maximum of one course in Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity allowed toward the credit requirement. Additionally, students must select one more elective course (3 credit hours) either from cybersecurity offerings or other Webster University electives available at their campus.Some courses may have access restrictions due to classified content, requiring specific security clearances. These restrictions primarily apply to programs offered at sensitive locations such as national laboratories, intelligence agencies, or military sites. Faculty and administrative staff are responsible for ensuring that students meet clearance requirements before enrollment in such courses. This program structure balances technical expertise, legal and ethical understanding, and practical experience, preparing graduates for critical roles in cybersecurity operations across public and private sectors. The curriculum is designed to address evolving cybersecurity threats while adhering to security policies, making it suitable for those aiming to protect and manage critical information systems.