MS in Cybersecurity
The MS in Cybersecurity will equip you to manage ongoing information security risks as you tackle digital threats to key pillars of our society — government, health, finance, logistics, defense, industry, and more. You’ll build a foundation in cyber law, forensics, criminology, and risk management alongside technical skills in computer systems, internet security, and cloud computing as you prepare for a successful future in this increasingly important field. You’ll also have the benefit of Northeastern’s renowned co-op program, ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Program highlights
Offered at these Northeastern campuses
Boston, Arlington (admit varies by location)
Credit hours, program length
32 total semester hours required;
most programs are completed in 2 years
Start term
Core courses: fall, spring, summer
Program modality
In person or online
Co-ops, research opportunities, and career prospects
Co-ops and internships: Rated #1
Through our renowned co-op program (ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report), you’ll have opportunities to apply your skills and knowledge in industry settings while you build invaluable connections. You can also complete a capstone project for a company like Rapid 7, MITRE, Mass General Brigham, Fidelity, or Raytheon.
Research opportunities: Pursue your passion
You’ll collaborate with leading researchers at top-tier facilities, exploring big questions and playing an important role in the discoveries of tomorrow. Whether you’re interested in a research career, applying to PhD programs, or simply building your expertise through hands-on experience, our diverse range of research projects will give you opportunities to make meaningful contributions.
NSA/DoD Cyber Operations Center of Academic Excellence
Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Operations by the Department of Defense and National Security Agency, Northeastern offers one of the best cybersecurity programs available with courses taught by world-class faculty who lead across all aspects of the field. It is also one of 13 nationwide Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY Scholars).
Career prospects: A wealth of opportunities
Cybersecurity experts are in high demand nationally and internationally, with the employment growth rate for information security analysts growing four times faster than the average of all other occupations. Our graduates work at Amazon/AWS, Akamai, Google, Raytheon, Wayfair, Fidelity, MITRE, the US Navy and US Air Force, and more in careers that include:
- Application security
- Security analyst
- Chief information security officer
- Cybersecurity compliance officer
- Cyber risk analyst
- Cloud security engineer
- Systems administrator
Learning outcomes
The MS in Cybersecurity will prepare you to:
- Analyze cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and risks that affect information systems, as well as anticipate potential new challenges in these areas.
- Plan and implement techniques and strategies to prevent, protect, and mitigate cyber risks of computer information systems, including IoT, mobile, and cloud.
- Assist in the implementation of security plans for organizations in consideration of the proper risk analysis, required countermeasures, ethical issues, and ensuring compliance with laws, standards, and industry guidelines.
- Explain and prioritize needs to maintain an effective organizational cybersecurity policy and assist in the elaboration and implementation of comprehensive incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans.
- Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with corporate management on cyber-related issues.
Choose your specialization: technical or contextual tracks
The MS in Cybersecurity program prepares you for a key information security position in either a technical or management role. There are options for students with a strong foundation in computer science as well as those with more contextual, domain-focused knowledge, such as military, health, finance, government, and more. You will take courses across both tracks and then choose to deepen your expertise in either the technical track or contextual track, depending on your interests.
Khoury Statistics
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$124K: median salary, information security analysts*
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+18% higher salary for MS prepared graduates vs. BS prepared
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100% of graduates have found employment in their field
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29% employment growth projected 2024–2034
What makes our MS in Cybersecurity program stand out?
From the program’s unique mix of technical and managerial coursework to its NSA/Department of Defense Center of Academic Excellence designation, students and faculty share what makes Northeastern’s MS in Cybersecurity program shine.
MS in Cybersecurity program offered at these Northeastern campuses
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Arlington
The tech hub of the National Capital Region, Arlington offers rich opportunities with thriving companies such as Amazon and Microsoft.
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Boston
Located in the heart of Boston, Northeastern’s oldest campus is home to a vibrant community of students, researchers, and faculty working across disciplines to build a better world through CS.
MS in Cybersecurity applicant FAQs
How do I apply to the MS in Cybersecurity program?
Our Master’s Apply page has everything you need to know about applying to the MS in Cybersecurity program at Khoury College, including:
- Master’s admissions requirements
- Program specific admissions requirements
- Timelines and deadlines
- Resources and contact information
What financial aid and scholarships are available for master's students?
Pursuing a master’s degree is a significant investment in your future. Northeastern University and Khoury College of Computer Sciences are here to help support you in this process. From financial aid to scholarship opportunities to co-op placements and teaching assistantships, there are multiple options to help fund your degree as you work towards your goals.
What is the cost of this program?
Visit Student Financial Services for current tuition and fee information, and to find tools and calculators to help you estimate what your degree (32 credit hours) will cost.
Who can I contact with questions?
Find additional answers to questions about our master’s programs on our master’s FAQ page, or complete the form below to learn more. One of our enrollment counselors will contact you soon.
What is the application deadline?
Domestic
Fall 2026 semester: August 30
Spring 2027 semester: December 1
International
Fall 2026 semester: May 1
Spring 2027 semester: November 1
Faculty spotlight
Get to know the engaged, experienced professors who are here to support you every step of the way.
Cristina Nita-Rotaru
Cristina Nita-Rotaru is a professor at Khoury College and the executive director and a founding member of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute. In her research, she designs and builds secure, resilient distributed systems and network protocols.
No tech background? Check out the Align program
If you don’t have a background in computer science, then the Align MS in Computer Science might be for you. This program offers a direct path to a master’s degree — no prior tech experience required.
Institutes and Centers
Our renowned Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute and state-of-the-art Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex bring together leading researchers, industry and government partners, and universities from around the world.
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MS in Artificial Intelligence
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*2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics (most recent data available)
Get your MS in Cybersecurity questions answered
Find additional answers to questions about our master’s programs on our master’s FAQ page, or complete this form to learn more about the MS in Cybersecurity program. One of our enrollment counselors will contact you soon.