Master of Science in Information Security (Online Program)
At-A-Glance
Less than 6% of the world’s schools offering business degrees have met the rigorous standards for educational quality
Tradition meeting convenience with online Master of Science in Information Security program.
Cal Poly Pomona first offered a Master of Science degree in information assurance in 1970 and 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, is now available remotely with the online Master of Science in Information Security program.
As a student, you’ll join a community of like-minded professionals and influential faculty who are passionate about your success. In addition, our extensive alumni network opens doors to elite networking opportunities for students of all business disciplines and backgrounds.
In this online MSIS program, classes are taught fully online synchronously and asynchronously. International students cannot stay in the U.S. while pursuing this online program. International students should apply for the face-to-face MSIS program if they wish to stay in the U.S. when pursuing the program.
Online MSIS Program Overview
- AACSB accredited and STEM designated
- Class mode: Fully online synchronous and asynchronous. The synchronous sections are at evenings from 7 pm to 9:45 pm (PST)
- Completion time: Two-year cohort model (longer time allowed)
- Number of courses (total units): 10 courses and one culminating experience (31 units)
- Scholarships available
- Requirements: 4-year bachelor's degree; Minimum GPA at 2.5 if prior degree in Information Systems or a related field; Otherwise, Minimum GPA at 3.0; Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in the areas of networking, programming, and database. For details, visit the Admission Requirements page.
Fall 2025
Domestic Students – July 1st, 2025
International Students – May 1st, 2025
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Minimum GPA at 2.5 if prior degree in Information Systems or a related field; otherwise, minimum GPA at 3.0
- 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
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
- 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 CPELI level 6 Details can be found at https://www.cpp.edu/cpeli/.
- 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 in 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
- 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.
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.