FAQs

About the Program | Applying | Attending | Prepping for Cybersecurity Careers


About the Program

Does this program continue from the Bachelor’s in Computer Technology: Homeland Security program?

Yes, it does. For more information, visit:
https://www.csudh.edu/csc/programs/computer-tech-programs/ba-computer-tech/

What is the cost of the program?

$723.00 per unit (Effective Fall 2023 term)

Cost of the MS program: $21,690 + books and other fees

Cost of leveling courses (if needed): $4,338 + books & other fees

Please see the Costs page at https://csudh.edu/cyber-security-ms/costs.

Can we use financial aid or student loans?

Student loans are available through Sallie Mae. Scholarships are available through ISSA. Please review additional financial aid information at https://issaef.org.

Federal financial aid is not available for masters level programs.

How long does it take to graduate?

The program may be completed in as little as 18 months:

Semester 1:3 courses
Semester 2:3 courses
Summer 1:1 course
Semester 3:3 courses

How many units/courses are needed?

30 units | 10 courses (3 units each)

Students with no background may need to take some leveling courses prior to admission to the program.

 

Applying to the Program

Who can apply for this graduate program?

Minimum requirement: Bachelor degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

  1. Full Admission:
    Bachelor degree in Computer Technology from CSUDH or an equivalent program; or,
  2. Conditional Admission:
    Bachelor degree other than computer technology. Students with no background may need to take some leveling courses before admission to the program.

How do I apply for this program?

Apply Online Through Cal State Apply ►

If I am taking leveling courses at the community college, does that mean that I have to take this class at CSUDH?

Usually this is the case; we need to look at the content of the courses you have taken to make sure all the required topics are covered.

Can the CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 certification substitute the leveling courses?

There are some basic programming and statistics material that are needed; so you may need to take one of those leveling courses only.


Attending the Program

Are there Student-based clubs or organizations available?

On average, how big are the classes? Do we need to worry about classes filling up?

A typical class size ranges from 15 to 25 students. We can add new sections as needed.

Can you walk us through the Capstone project... Is it an individual or a group project, and how will it be administered and taught?

The capstone project consists of one project per individual, to be completed during the final semester.

There will be two progress reports due throughout the semester to allow the instructor to provide feedback to students.

What happens if I need to take a break for the program? Do I need to reapply if I am out too long?

You must maintain continuing student status every fall and spring semester to be considered a continuing student. You are eligible to register if you have not applied to graduate for a prior term or the current term.

If you have not maintained continuous student status, but are ready to return to the program, please contact the program coordinator to review your academic and financial standing; do not start a readmission process without receiving academic counseling first.

 

Prepping for Cybersecurity Careers

What are the current career opportunities?

Cybersecurity Market Current Status and Forecast — Source: Statista

  • Revenue in the Cybersecurity market is projected to reach US$71.79bn in 2023.
  • Security Services dominates the market with a projected market volume of US$39.78bn in 2023.
  • Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2028) of 9.65%, resulting in a market volume of US$113.80bn by 2028.
  • The average Spend per Employee in the Cybersecurity market is projected to reach US$426.20 in 2023.
  • In global comparison, most revenue will be generated in the United States (US$71,790.0m in 2023).

Cybersecurity Job Market and Salary
More than 209,000 cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. are unfilled, and postings are up 74% over the past five years. A report from Cisco puts the global figure at one million cybersecurity job openings. Demand is expected to rise to 6 million globally by 2029, with a projected shortfall of 1.5 million. Cybersecurity workers can command an average salary premium of nearly $65,000 per year, or 9% more than other IT workers. The most recent median pay for an information security analyst is $88,890 per year.

How important will Cyber Certifications be in addition to the degree?

For those not taking any courses in Cyber Security is very important; as our certification (leveling course) better prepares students for the graduate program.

Does the program have any partnerships with employers of Cyber Security professionals?

Yes, our program provides opportunities to network in local area, Silicon Beach, aerospace, and other cybersec industry companies such as Google, YouTube, Cisco, Northrop Grumman.

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Contact Information

CSUDH Computer Science Department (CSC)
(Curriculum, Advising, Admission)

310-243-3398 | csc@csudh.edu | https://csc.csudh.edu

CSUDH College of Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE)
(Registration, Payment, Application Process)

310-243-3741 | learn@csudh.edu | CCPE Registration ►

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