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Master's of Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management

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Cybercrime continues to threaten the security of both public sector and private sector organizations. Unfortunately, today there is a shortage of talented professionals to fill critical cybersecurity roles in industry and across the government.

Designed in consultation with key government, military and law enforcement organizations, our Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management master’s program is the cyber degree for working professionals. The program examines issues related to risk, policy, practice and intelligence-led cyber defense, to create the next generation of cybersecurity’s strategic leaders.

With a degree that can be completed in as little as 16 months — studying online, in-person, or a hybrid — you will learn from the field’s top experts about the strategies and practices that protect critical information and make sure that the world’s digital infrastructure remains secure.

 

CSIM affiliations 3 logos

GW has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. GW is a proud member of the NFOPU Consortium School and U.S. Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network.

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"" Program at a Glance 

16 months

Flexible Course Schedule

A 36-credit master’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 16 months. 

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Relevant Education

Designed in consultation with key government, military and law enforcement organizations.

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Important Skills

Named a Federal Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance by the Department of Homeland Security

 

 

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Where You'll Study 

Online or In Person or a Combination
Online or one Weeknight at the Graduate Education Center in Arlington, VA and one weekend per month at the Virginia Science & Technology Campus in Ashburn, VA

Students can transition between online and in person courses, offering convenience and flexibility. In-person classes are held primarily at the Education Center in Arlington, Virginia.
 

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What You'll Study

In 36 credits and 16 months, you can earn your MPS in Cybersecurity and Information Management. Designed for working professionals, students in this program will examine critical cybersecurity issues faced by corporations, federal agencies and the military.

  • Students are admitted to the in-person program for the Fall semester, in a cohort format.

  • Students attend classes one night per week at our Graduate Education Center in Arlington, VA, plus two Saturday classes per month.

  • Note: Class location subject to change by semester due to instructor and classroom availability.

  • Weeknight classes meet from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Weekend classes meet from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch.

  • All courses are three credit hours.

  • The program combines classroom-based and online instruction delivered via Blackboard, GW’s web-based educational platform.

  • The online component allows students to fit a full course load into their busy schedules, making it possible to complete the degree in sixteen months (four semesters).

 

  • Students are admitted to the Online program for fall and spring semesters.

  • The online curriculum has the same curriculum requirements as the in-person program.

  • 100% online – providing convenience and flexibility.

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About the Faculty & Advisory Board

Our professional faculty and advisory board members have held senior positions in a variety of organizations and have expertise leading in areas related to cybersecurity, risk and technology management, policy and national security. 

The Advisory Board members of the GW Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management program are senior level professionals who have extensive leadership experience with cybersecurity, technology management and national security.  They provide support and advice to the program, its curriculum and the development of new initiatives.

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Admissions Information

To be considered for the Cybersecurity MPS program you must:

  • Have a Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher (on the 4.0 point scale) from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Have a minimum of two years of professional experience in safety, security and/or information management

 

Deadlines

Applicants that have complete applications are eligible to request an application fee waiver by 11:59 p.m. on the Priority Deadline.* To request an application fee waiver, contact your program representative before submitting your application. Fee waiver details. Applications received after the Final Deadline will continue to be processed, space permitting.

 

leafFall Admissions

In-person and online program

  • Fall Priority Deadline: April 15*
  • Fall Final Deadline: June 15

 

illustration of a flowerSpring Admissions

Online program only

  • Spring Priority Deadline: November 1*
  • Spring Final Deadline: November 30

 

illustration of a summer sunSummer Admissions

In-person and online program

  • Not offered

Our tuition and fees vary by program and location, generally increasing annually. This is an estimate based on current tuition rates and fee structures. Total tuition and fees will vary according to the courses taken and the timeframe in which you complete your coursework.

2022-2023 Rates in Effect for Summer 2022, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Terms  

Curriculum: 12 courses (typically completed in 16 months)

36 Credits      

Tuition

 

Virginia classrooms: 36 credits @ $1,245/credit hour

$44,820

Online classrooms: 36 credits @ $1,245/credit hour

$44,820

Registration Fees:

4 registration sessions @ $35 each

$140

TOTAL:

Tuition + Fees (Virginia Classrooms or Online)

 

$44,960

The costs of travel, meals and accommodations (if applicable) are not included in the tuition or fees.

 

Other costs to consider:

Application fee*

Textbooks:

$80

$500 (approx.)

Matriculation fee (one time)

$200

*The application fee is waived if all materials are received by the priority deadline.

 

Residency Accommodations

Students are responsible for the cost of their travel, meals and accommodations.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Opportunities

Please visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information on grants, scholarships, loans, and military education benefits.

You must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or refugee to apply for need-based financial aid.

GW's Military & Veteran Services provides wide-ranging resources and support to the military community, including GW scholarships and assistance with benefits:

Since Military and Veterans Services was created in 2008, GW has been an annual recipient of the Military Friendly Award and is also annually recognized as a Military Times “Best for Vets” higher education institution.

  • If you are an international student, please note that only our off-campus program is eligible for F-1 and J-1 visas. 
  • Applicants must submit their complete applications by the deadlines listed on the International Student Admissions page. These deadlines are at least two months before the deadline for admitted students to submit visa request paperwork.

 

International Student Admissions Process 

 

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Contacts

Lynn McKnight

 

 

Connie Uthoff

 

 

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Request Information

Upcoming Events

We periodically offer online and in-person information sessions about Cybersecurity Strategy & Information Management. Contact the program representative to learn more about upcoming events. 

April
25
Tuesday

GW Business and Policy Forum: Attacking Cybersecurity Risks

9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time