Master’s 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
Build your future with a master’s degree in information security from Cal Poly Pomona!
Cal Poly Pomona has long been at the forefront of InfoSec education, having offered a master’s 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, remove learning, and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, makes Cal Poly Pomona’s a premier information security master’s programs.
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 program.
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
- Domestic Students – July 1st
- International Students – May 1st
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) GMAT or GRE is not required
e) 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 fine) |
|
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.
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).
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.
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