Singelyn Graduate School of Business
Cybersecurity students in lab working on computers

Master of Science in Information Security (Face-to-face Program)

At-A-Glance

$102,000Median salary for Information Security Analyst, 2022 U.S. News Best Jobs Report
AACSB-Accredited

Less than 6% of the world’s schools offering business degrees have met the rigorous standards for educational quality

STEM Designated
The CIP code is 11.0103

Build your future with a Master of Science degree in information security from Cal Poly Pomona!

Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) has long been at the forefront of InfoSec education, having offered a Master of Science degree in Information Assurance since 1970. CPP has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in cybersecurity by the National Security Agency since 2005. This rich tradition, coupled with our science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) designation, constantly improved and industry-relevant curriculum, remote learning, and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, makes Cal Poly Pomona a premier information security Master of Science program.
 
Join a community of like-minded professionals and influential faculty who are passionate about your success, and network with our extensive alumni network opens doors to elite opportunities for students of all business disciplines and backgrounds.
 
In this face-to-face MSIS program, classes are offered in hybrid mode with both face-to-face and online components. Thus, international students can stay in the U.S. while pursuing this program.

Face-to-face MSIS Program Overview

  • AACSB accredited and STEM designated
  • Class mode: hybrid (i.e., mix of face-to-face and online). Most classes are offered on Saturdays.
  • Completion Time: 22 months (5 semesters including a summer semester)
  • Number of courses (total units): 10 courses and one comprehensive exam (31 units)
  • Scholarships available

The admission to this program is based on a holistic view of the following criteria:
a) Resume
b) Personal Statement
c) Minimum GPA at 2.5 if prior degree in Information Systems or a related field; otherwise, minimum GPA at 3.0. 4-year Bachelor's Degree
d) Prerequisites

Basic knowledge in the areas of Networking, Programming, and Database is essential to study the MSIS program. If you didn’t take classes in those areas, you should complete the following online courses (or similar ones) and provide proofs as supplemental documents when applying for the MSIS program.

Area

Sample Course (similar course is acceptable)

Networking

CompTIA Network+ (N10-008) Full Course & Practice Exam, 26 hour video

https://www.udemy.com/course/comptia-network-n10-008/

Programming

Python for Absolute Beginners, 4.5 hour video

https://www.udemy.com/course/python-for-absolute-beginners-u/

Database

SQL Course For Beginners: Learn SQL Using MySQL Database, 4.5 hour video

https://www.udemy.com/course/sqlcourse/


e) English Proficiency Test (only for Applicants with prior degrees conducted not in English)

  • TOEFL (if required) 213 Computer Based, 550 Paper Based, 80 Internet Based, or
  • IELTS 6.5, or
  • Duolingo Score: 105, or
  • Cal Poly Pomona English Language Institute (CPELI) offers English learning programs. CPELI level 6 is acceptable for satisfying CPP English proficiency requirement of SGSB graduate program admission purpose. Details can be found at https://www.cpp.edu/cpeli/.

f) For a complete list, visit our Admission Requirements page.

Scholarships for first year MSIS students
  • Criteria: academic performance, relevant major and experience.
  • We'll review your application to the program, no separate application needed.
Awards for Industry Certifications
  • Our curriculum also prepares students for valuable industry certification exams. Awards available for those who pass any certification exam for CompTIA Security+, CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), or CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).

  • SWIFT: focuses on cybersecurity, networking, and system administration.
  • FAST: focuses on digital forensics, cyber crime, and cybersecurity.
  • MISSA: focuses on information auditing and data analytics.
These student clubs are very active and organize various activities, such as skill trainings and competitions. In April 2024, our university team that includes a MSIS student won the 2nd place at National Centers of Academic Excellence (NCAE) Competition. Moreover, in April 2024 our university cyber defense team won the second place at the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (NCCDC).

  • IT Auditor
  • Security Analyst
  • Security Specialist
  • Network Administrator
  • Forensics Specialist

  • Domestic Students – July 1st
  • International Students – May 1st

  • Students will demonstrate information security concepts and recommend appropriate responses in assessing, preventing, and managing information security and risks.
  • Students will demonstrate IT auditing concepts and propose appropriate IT auditing methodologies.
  • Students will demonstrate digital forensics concepts and choose appropriate forensics methodologies.

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For general questions, please contact a graduate advisor at sgsb@cpp.edu.

For questions about the MSIS program, such as curriculum, prerequisites, course substitutions, or unit transfer, contact the program director, Dr. Zhongming Ma, at zma@cpp.edu.