Cybersecurity, M.S.

With an ever-growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, the M.S. in Cybersecurity prepares graduates to be leaders in the protection of data assets and analysis of potential threats to systems and networks. 

The curriculum focuses on the techniques, policies, operational procedures, and technologies that secure and defend the availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation of information and information systems and the development of secure software systems. The program is offered 100% online. The courses have been carefully blended to meet real-world requirements and to facilitate hands-on experiences that maximize a student's learning outcome in the program.

Program Highlights

• Complete the program in five academic semesters
• Flexible online classes
• Become a highly-skilled, adaptable cybersecurity professional
• Predict and protect against cybercrime
• Participate in interactive case studies

Program Requirements

A minimum grade of "C" is required for all courses with an institutional GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University graduate admission requirements described in the Admissions section of the catalog, the department bases decisions for regular admission on a holistic review of credentials in which the following criteria are used to assess the potential success of each applicant:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree with a minimum institutional GPA of 3.0
• Letter of intent (written by the applicant) to include the applicant’s motivation for pursuing an M.S. in Cybersecurity degree, the extent of related work experience in the field, and future goals related to the attainment of an M.S. in Cybersecurity degree 
• Submission of a resume
• Name and contact information of two individuals that can speak to the applicant's ability to successfully complete the program

Students entering the program with a degree other than Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Information Technology and pursuing the Data or Software & System Security track may be required to complete prerequisite courses in computing and programming. The department offers the following foundational courses to complete the prerequisite coursework:

• COP 5518 Foundations: Computing Essentials
• COP 5007 Foundations: Programming Essentials

Cybersecurity Program Requirements

A minimum of 15 credits in coursework must be at the 6000-level. In addition, a minimum grade of "C" is required for all courses with an institutional GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Certificate

The graduate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity Certificate is designed to equip students and professionals with the critical skills needed to develop, implement, and evaluate AI-driven solutions in cybersecurity contexts. This fully online certificate provides a rigorous foundation in both core cybersecurity principles and state-of-the-art artificial intelligence techniques and tools. The certificate courses can be completed in 1 to 2 semesters and is ideal for working professionals, or career changers seeking to upskill in the fast-growing fields of AI and cybersecurity. The certificate will allow learners to be skilled into industry-recognized (e.g. the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NWFC) and/or the DoD Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (DCWF)) job roles such as Security Architect, Information Systems Security Manager, Machine Learning Engineering, Threat Intelligence Analyst, and AI Application Developer.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the University of West Florida Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Certificate, you must (a) be admitted as a graduate non-degree or degree-seeking student, and (b) have one year of professional experience or coursework in AI or Cybersecurity.

Course Requirements

Artificial Intelligence in Practice Certificate

The graduate Artificial Intelligence in Practice Certificate is a fully online program designed to equip students and professionals with the critical skills needed to develop, implement, and evaluate Artificial Intelligence-driven solutions. The certificate includes three courses, which are offered asynchronously. The certificate can be completed in 1 to 2 semesters and is ideal for students, working professionals, or career changers seeking to upskill in the fast-growing fields of AI and cybersecurity. The certificate will allow learners to be skilled in the related job roles such as AI Engineer, Software Developer, Threat/Warning Analyst, and Data Analyst.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the University of West Florida Artificial Intelligence in Practice Certificate, you must be admitted into the University as a graduate non-degree or degree-seeking student.

Course Requirements

Cybersecurity Certificate

This certificate program is focused on data and system security and prepares professionals to be leaders in the protection of data assets and analysis of potential threats to systems and networks. The program's courses have been carefully blended to meet real-world requirements and to facilitate hands-on experiences that maximize a student's learning outcome in the program. 

Admission Requirements

• Admission to UWF as a degree or non-degree-seeking graduate student.
• Submission of resume.
• Provide proof of a bachelor's degree from a post-secondary institution accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and course syllabi for any IT or computing-related coursework.

Students entering the certificate program with a degree other than Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Information Technology may be required to complete prerequisite courses in computing and programming. The department offers the following foundational courses to complete the prerequisite coursework:

• COP 5518 Foundations: Computing Essentials
• COP 5007 Foundations: Programming Essentials

Prospective students for this certificate must contact the departmental advisor to complete the certificate declaration before the drop/add period of the semester of completion. Students must complete all courses listed below within five years of admission into the program. They must also have a "C" or better in each course and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the combined courses.