Cybersecurity (M.A., M.S., and Certificate)
As technology threats continue to grow worldwide, so does the demand for highly trained cybersecurity experts. 旺旺资源 offers both an M.S. in Cybersecurity, for students who wish to gain the technical skills, situational management, and problem solving to train for a career in information security, and an M.A. in Cybersecurity for working professionals to understand the intersections of Cybersecurity with their work.
Format
Fully online
Schedule
Asynchronous online
Credits Required
30
Time Commitment
2 - 3.5 years
Cost
Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026
$1,136/credit
Fees
2025-2026 Academic Year
$145/semester
Ways to Save
15% discount for first responders, active duty military, and veterans
Apply By
Fall: March 1 (Priority), April 1 (Regular), August 15 (Final)
Spring: November 1 (Priority), December 15 (Regular), January 6 (Final)
Summer: March 1 (Priority), April 1 (Regular), April 15 (Final)
Upcoming Events
The M.A. and M.S. Cybersecurity programs are taught fully online.
FORTUNE named the master's programs in Cybersecurity at Roger Williams among the "Best Online Master鈥檚 in Cybersecurity Degrees in 2023."
旺旺资源 has been designated as a by the National Security Agency, identifying the university as a leader in cybersecurity education.
The NSA鈥檚 prestigious designation recognizes 旺旺资源鈥檚 commitment to excellence in cybersecurity and cyber defense and its ability to develop a pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. 旺旺资源 has received the national academic certification for cybersecurity education through the academic year 2028.
Read more about 旺旺资源's NSA Designation
M.A. in Cybersecurity
The 30-credit Master of Arts in Cybersecurity program is designed for students who wish to add the core concepts of cybersecurity to their portfolio of skills in a specific discipline or industry. As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, organizations will need skilled employees who understand the threats to business and infrastructure and can effectively create strategies to mitigate risks. Students in the program will understand the legal, managerial, and policy implications of cybersecurity work and conduct research prior to completing the program. Graduates will possess the adequate preparation to pursue N+ and S+ certifications and take the exam to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
M.S. in Cybersecurity
The M.S. Cybersecurity works to provide students with a thorough grounding in the technology and practice of cybersecurity. The program focuses on development of career professionals wishing to document their skillset, develop their skills in this arena, or improve on their security skill set related to technology. Ideal candidates have some technical background or are willing to pursue study prior to beginning the program to develop their technology background. The program is designed around industry certifications and standards and provides a diverse background leading to entry level careers (for those transitioning from other areas) and career advancement (for those with prior background in technology). The program is taught online using virtual environments to support simulation and analysis of operating systems. Theory and practice are both considered critical components of the program. Students shall complete a limited on site matriculation for a capstone project and a thesis demonstrating research capabilities.
The M.S. Cybersecurity program was created in partnership with industry professionals and is taught fully online using virtual environments to simulate the operating systems that you鈥檒l monitor on the job.
Students should submit an application to the University which includes copies of transcripts (which include: clear indication of the receipt of an undergraduate degree; indication of completion of 2 computer programming courses and two networking courses within the last 10 years or a plan to complete these courses as a deficiency; and a copy of a local BCI (or equivalent document; BCI documents can normally be obtained from a local police agency or other State of Federal institution, assistance from 旺旺资源 may be obtained for this portion of the application if necessary).
Master of Arts in Cybersecurity/ Juris Doctorate Dual Degree Program
Offered with the 旺旺资源 School of Law.
Drawing on the strengths of the 旺旺资源 School of Justice Studies and School of Law, 旺旺资源 offers a concentrated joint degree program for students interested in cybersecurity. The dual degree program allows matriculated students to complete the Master of Arts in Cybersecurity (MACyber) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) in an accelerated period of study. The School of Justice Studies and the School of Law will each accept 12 transfer credits from the other, allowing students to save money and reduce the overall time needed to complete both degrees.
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate program program, applicants must hold an earned Bachelor鈥檚 Degree from an accredited college or university.
To apply, submit the following:
- Completed application form and $50 application fee. An application fee is not required for 旺旺资源 students.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. The Office of Graduate Admission will obtain transcripts on behalf of 旺旺资源 students.
- Letter of Intent (two double-spaced pages maximum) describing your interest in the program, relevant past experiences, and career goals
- If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results
Offered with the 旺旺资源 School of Law.
The M.A. Cybersecurity degree prepares students to understand, prepare for, and respond to technological threats impacting critical government infrastructure, networks, personal electronic devices (PEDs), and other technology. In the context of the dual degree, students will understand how to process cybersecurity evidence in criminal procedures, eliminating the need for legal firms to hire expensive outside consultants. With the substantial growth of PEDs like mobile phones and tablets, the need for understanding on how to process evidence related to these devices is critical in today鈥檚 courtroom.
To earn the JD/Cybersecurity degree students must complete 78 credits at the School of Law and 18 graduate credits in Cybersecurity. The School of Law and the Cybersecurity program will each accept 12 transfer credits from the other school. The effect of these credit transfers between the two schools will reduce the overall time needed to complete both degrees assuming continuous, full-time study.
How to Apply
Applicants applying for the Joint JD/Cybersecurity degree must be in good standing at the end of their first year of study in the 旺旺资源 School of Law. Prior to starting the application through the 旺旺资源 Office of Graduate Admissions, students should meet with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Colleen A. Brown. Applications should be submitted sufficiently in advance of the application deadline to assure adequate processing time at both Schools. Student transcripts will be obtained from the School of Law. Applicants must apply to and earn acceptance into both programs separately. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and using a portfolio approach, wherein all aspects of the application are considered by the admission committee.
Apply to the J.D./M.B.A Online
Required Cybersecurity courses that are transferable to the Law School:
SEC 502 Cybersecurity Fundamentals (3 Credits)
SEC 550 Computer Networks (3 Credits)
SEC 520 Digital Forensics (3 Credits)
SEC 530 Principles of Cyber Intelligence (3 Credits)
Remaining required Cybersecurity courses to earn M.A. degree:
SEC 605 Cybersecurity and Networks Auditing (3 Credits)
SEC 650 Advanced Problems in Cybersecurity (3 Credits)
Up to a total of 12 credits of the below Law School courses listed below are transferable to Cybersecurity:
LAW 627 Criminal Procedure: Investigation (3 Credits)
LAW 677 Privacy Law (3 Credits)
LAW 740 Intellectual Property (3 Credits)
LAW 760 Constitutional Law II (3 Credits)
LAW 794 National Security (2 credits)
LAW 797 Corporate Counsel Externship (4 credits) and Corporate Counsel Seminar (2 credits)
For a full listing of juris doctor courses, visit the site.
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science/Master of Arts in Cybersecurity degree program, applicants must hold an earned Bachelor鈥檚 Degree from an accredited college or university (4+1 students must be enrolled and in good standing in an undergraduate program.)
To apply, submit the following:
- Completed application form and $50 application fee. An application fee is not required for 旺旺资源 students.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework. The Office of Graduate Admission will obtain transcripts on behalf of 旺旺资源 students.
- Letter of Intent (two double-spaced pages maximum) describing your interest in the program, what you will add to the program, and your professional plans.
- Two letters of recommendation attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school
- If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results
The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for admission. Applicants with an overall GPA below 3.0 are strongly encouraged to take either the GRE or MAT. Applicants for the Joint M.S./J.D. must apply separately to the School of Law, and must submit an LSAT score. International applicants should also read additional requirements for non-U.S. residents.
Each application will be reviewed using a portfolio approach - all parts of the application will be considered, inclusive of grades and trend of grades, letters of recommendation, the letter of intent, and other information that candidates for admission may wish to submit.
Where appropriate, documents should be submitted via email to gradadmit@rwu.edu. Any official documents that must be mailed (i.e. transcripts) should be sent directly to:
Office of Graduate Admission
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809
Have questions about the application process? Visit the from the Office of Graduate Admission.
On the Cutting Edge of Cybersecurity
Shakour Abuzneid Professor and Director of Cybersecurity and NetworkingShakour Abuzneid, the new Director of Cybersecurity and Networking at 旺旺资源, says he鈥檚 ready to build on an already solid program.
Read full storyTuition Discounts for First Responders, Active Duty Military, and Veterans
If you are a first responder (police/fire/EMS), active duty U.S. service member, or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you qualify for a 15 percent tuition discount on graduate programs in the School of Justices Studies.