Cybersecurity

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity provides the advanced theory and information needed to address today's security issues and anticipate tomorrow's cyber threats. The program focuses on advanced prevention, detection, countering, and recovery from cyber incidents. Students learn to use technical tools and organizational practices such as training, access control, security management, evidence collection, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning. The students completing the Masters in Cybersecurity will understand how to become industry leaders who can move from behind traditional IT roles to design and implement robust cyber security solutions.

ANU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity is designed for both cybersecurity professionals and those looking to advance their information technology career with cybersecurity expertise. Many of the areas our cybersecurity program focuses on include intelligence, computer forensics, IT management, and security engineering.

Program outcomes. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Build a foundation of critical thinking skills on which to make professional judgments relating to Cybersecurity.
• Design and implement solutions aligned with Cybersecurity needs.
• Solidify an understanding of theoretical methods, principles, and tools used in the Cybersecurity industry.
• Examine the fundamental information technology issues and processes in today's organizations relating to systems engineering, computer networking, database technologies, IT governance and strategy, Web development, and information assurance.

Your learning experience.

• A strong foundation in theoretical principles, tools, and methods behind security policies, standards, and procedures to address business and technical skills.
• An expertise in best practices for information security, including, but is not limited to, advanced prevention, detection, countermeasures, and recovery strategies.
• How to develop project plans for a security assessment using frameworks like the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to ensure thorough and strategic execution.

All-inclusive tuition. ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable).

Refresher privilege. As part of our commitment to keeping graduates' skills and training up to date, the University allows its graduates to return at any time to retake courses in their respective fields, subject to availability. No tuition fees will be charged for this benefit; graduates will be responsible for any additional costs associated with books, equipment, or third-party testing fees.

To be admitted to a master's degree program at the University, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree (or another graduate-level degree) from a regionally or nationally accredited institution based in the United States or an appropriately recognized foreign institution. The applicant's academic performance must meet one of the following minimum standards: a 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale at the bachelor's level, a 3.0 GPA or higher for the most recent 12 quarter credit hours of graduate coursework, or at least three years of relevant professional experience.

Applicants to graduate programs under the Dean of Technology must hold a bachelor's degree in information technology (or a related field) or a bachelor's degree in another discipline plus at least three years of professional experience in a technology field (as verified by a resume).

For the convenience of its students, the University operates on a quarter-based schedule with year-round classes. Students may begin their programs at any of the starting dates during the year.

Full-time graduate students enroll in at least 8 credit hours per 10-week term, which typically means two 4-credit courses offered across 5-week or 10-week sessions.

The University courses use both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) interactions. Courses are delivered online (delivered through Canvas with scheduled Global Learn™ sessions) and through hybrid instruction (combining online coursework with required in-person residencies).

Not every course requires a residency; however, when a student is scheduled in a class that includes residency, the student is required to attend all residency sessions on campus. For example, if a student is scheduled for a weekend residency session, the student must attend all three (3) days of the session.

International Students (SEVP Participants) on F-1 visas must maintain compliance with SEVP requirements: only one fully online (4-credit) course per term is permitted, and additional courses must be taken in a residential format.

All graduate F-1 students will be required to attend ONE 3-day residency weekend in-person at the campus site every term; all undergraduate F-1 students will be required to attend TWO 3-day residency weekends in-person at the campus site every term (International Students page).

Upcoming start dates: January 3, 2027; March 21, 2027; June 6, 2027; August 22, 2027; November 7, 2027.

Tuition. Tuition is $411 per quarter credit hour; for the 56 credit hours this program requires, total program tuition is $23,016. Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis and billed each academic term. All textbooks are included in the student's tuition.

All-inclusive pricing. ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable). The University's all-inclusive pricing provides the equipment needed to complete all coursework; some items are loaned and must be returned within 15 days after graduation or withdrawal.

Fees applicable to all students. Transcript fee $10 (first copy free); returned check/declined credit card fee $25; transaction chargeback 10% + $15; diploma reprint $50; duplicate ID $10; experiential learning evaluation $50 per course; challenge exams $50 per exam. Fees are non-refundable after 5 calendar days from enrollment.

Estimated annual cost of attendance (three terms). Tuition: review program cost. Food and Housing $9,344 (living with parent/guardian) or $9,312 (not living with parent/guardian); Transportation $2,864; Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $936; Personal Expenses $2,752 or $4,816.

Payment. All students must pay tuition in full before the term begins, unless they are enrolled in a program with limited seats. Students using federal aid or loans must have all forms completed and payment schedules finalized before the term starts; students using employer, Veterans Education Benefits, or other third-party tuition assistance must have an approved contract on file for delayed payment.

Federal aid. Students seeking to participate in federal and/or most state financial aid programs must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); ANU's school code is 003726. Federally funded aid available to eligible students includes the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Federal Work-Study.

Military and veterans. American National University is approved by the State Approving Agency for the education and training of eligible veterans and their dependents. Military education benefits include the Montgomery GI Bill®, the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program and Military Tuition Assistance; ANU's Blue Ribbon Grant provides up to 35% of the total amount paid toward direct educational costs (up to $18,000) after military education benefits are exhausted.

Institutional grants. ANU institutional aid includes the Business Partnership Grant, President's Grant, Private Loan Supplemental Grant, Refer a Friend Grant ($750), Workforce Development Grant, University Transfer Grant and ANU Legacy Merit Scholarship, each subject to its eligibility terms and available funding.

Net price calculator. Estimate your yearly cost with ANU's net price calculator: https://an.edu/admissions/financial-assistance/net-price-va/

Where could your degree take you?

• Cyber Vulnerability Researcher
• Information Assurance Analyst
• Principal Information Security Engineer
• Security Control Assessor
• Cybersecurity Infrastructure Specialist
• Incident Manager

Certifications and licensure.

• CISSP (optional exam preparation)
• CSSLP (optional)
• CBCP (optional)
• C)DFE (optional)

Student outcomes.

• DEAC Student Achievement Disclosure (published 6/16/2026), 2025 graduation rates: Master of Science in Cybersecurity: 60% graduation rate for the 3/1/22-2/28/2023 start cohort (6 graduates; median 1.7 years to complete).

For international students, we offer Intensive Alternate Programs (hybrid programs) that meet all SEVP requirements for students on F-1 visa, with on-campus residencies and the remainder of the program online. Students may attend their residency at ANU campuses in Salem, Virginia; Louisville, Kentucky; or Nashville, Tennessee.

• Acceptance of transfer credits (up to 50% for Graduate level students)
• 10 Week Terms
• Curriculum Practical Training starts day 1 plus students can work up to 40 hours a week for 1 year without affecting OPT (Optional Practical Training).
• Part-time CPT is also an option for entire academic program.
• On-campus classes 9AM - 5PM EST
• Assistance with affordable/temporary housing
• No health insurance required
• Books included in tuition.