Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Combat Cyber Risk
With nearly one in five Americans falling victim to a cybercrime, the demand is high for skilled analysts with cutting-edge knowledge of how to detect, prevent, and recover from a cyberattack.
Designed for both working professionals and students, Fordham’s unique Master’s Program in Cybersecurity (MSCY) offers a combination of weekend, evening, online, and hybrid courses. Using methods in computing and informational science, engineering, and social science, you’ll learn how to identify solutions to global cyber threats while mastering legal, ethical, and policy issues in this critical field of study.
Why study Cybersecurity at Fordham?
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In contrast to many competitor institutions, Fordham’s MSCY core curriculum is designed to focus exclusively on cybersecurity, which provides you with the depth of knowledge and formal training that is ever more vital to employers across the professional cybersecurity landscape.
Using methods in computing and informational science, engineering, and social science, you will learn how to identify solutions to global cyber threats while mastering the legal, ethical, and policy issues. As a graduate of Fordham’s MSCY program, you will be trained for careers in:
- digital forensics
- cyber investigations
- security policy development and compliance
- data management systems security
- data security analysis
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Fordham University and the MSCY have been designated by the U.S. National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).
This prestigious designation is a validation of the MSCY program's strength and rigor and reflects the close alignment of our curriculum with specific cybersecurity-related knowledge units (KUs) sanctioned by the U.S. government.
Earning an MSCY degree from a CAE-CDE designated university enables potential employers to be highly confident in hiring Fordham graduates.
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Fordham’s new Center for Cybersecurity (FCC) forms an intellectual home for (MSCY) students and faculty, and for the broader Bronx community. This interdisciplinary center brings together diverse members of the Fordham community to promote educational, research, and service projects in the area of information and computer security that benefit our neighbors and fellow New Yorkers.
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Fordham’s MSCY program is delivered in the heart of New York City, through a combination of weekend and evening courses, providing flexibility and balance for our students. We offer small classes taught by leading experts in academia and industry, and our program prides itself on close mentoring.
And, because we’re Fordham, we believe in educating the whole person—building our students’ capacity to succeed—regardless of their undergraduate background. Our MSCY program offers bridge courses for students who lack a strong background in an essential area (e.g. programming, statistics).
STEM Designation
The M.S. in Cybersecurity is a registered STEM designated program, which permits a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), for a total eligibility of up to 36 months. Please consult Fordham’s STEM Extension page for more information.
Program Highlights
- Small classes taught by leading experts in academia and industry
- Intensive lab experience in our dedicated cybersecurity research lab
- Networking opportunities and career support
- Bridge courses for students who lack a strong background in an essential area (e.g. programming, statistics)
Program Basics
- Our curriculum requires 10 courses for a total of 30 credits, including four core courses and six specialized courses
- Weekend, evening, and hybrid (on-campus and online) courses are available at Fordham's Lincoln Center Campus in Manhattan
- Can be completed in 12 months over three semesters (fall, spring, and summer)
- Rolling admissions
Careers
Many of our recent graduates have found rewarding career positions in the field, including in law enforcement, government, and private industry. Key jobs within Cybersecurity ranging from entry-level to advanced-level. Some examples include but are not limited to:
- Cybersecurity Specialist/Technician
- Cyber Crime Analyst/Investigator
- Incident Analyst/Responder
- IT Auditor
- Cybersecurity Analyst/Consultant
- Penetration and Vulnerability Tester
- Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator
- Cybersecurity Engineer/Architect
Fordham and the M.S. in Cybersecurity program have been designated by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).
For more information about the Centers of Academic Excellence, please visit the CAE Community Page.
"Since joining Fordham for my computer science undergraduate studies, I've desired to study cybersecurity. The accelerated master's program has helped me realize my goals and will allow me to fulfill the need for cybersecurity professionals sooner."
Jakub Czaplicki, Accelerated Master's MSCY '24 (expected)
- Read more testimonialsGraduate Spotlight
Explore our Graduate Programs
Attend an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about our M.S. in Cybersecurity program, the benefits of a Fordham education, and how to apply.
The virtual session is dedicated to our Computer Information Sciences (CIS) department and highlights our Ph.D. in Computer Science and the three Masters of Science programs; Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Data Science.
Thank you for visiting the Computer and Information Science Department website. Please check back soon for upcoming information sessions.
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Accelerated Master’s Program: Bachelor’s and Master’s in a total of five years (4+1)
Fordham's undergraduate students have the opportunity to earn their master’s degree with only one year of study beyond your bachelor’s degree. Visit the GSAS Admissions Events page for upcoming Accelerated Master's information sessions dedicated to Fordham undergraduate students.