**Institution:** ECPI University

**College:** Online

**Sub-Program:** Information Technology

**Degree:** Master of Science in Cybersecurity Cyber Operations Specialization

**Canonical URL:** https://www.ecpi.edu/online/programs/cyber-operations-cybersecurity-master-degree

**Last Updated:** 2026-10-01T18:38:03+00:00

## Cybersecurity Master's Cyber Operations Specialization Degree Overview

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity with a Cyber Operations specialization prepares students to support and manage the security of organizational networks and technology. It is designed for individuals who want to develop technical and operational skills used to protect information and maintain reliable security practices.

The program focuses on network security, system architecture, threat detection, and digital forensics. Students examine how network activity is monitored, how vulnerabilities are identified and addressed, and how cyber incidents are investigated and resolved.

With ECPI University’s year-round accelerated schedule, students can complete the program and earn their master’s degree in as little as 15 months.

### Knowledge and Skills

Graduates develop capability in the following areas:

- **Network Security and Monitoring:**
    Review network activity and apply practices that maintain secure and stable systems.
- **Threat Analysis and Mitigation:**
    Identify vulnerabilities, evaluate threats, and use AI tools to support risk analysis and response.
- **System and Architecture Security:**
    Understand how systems are structured and strengthen security through effective design and configuration.
- **Digital Forensics and Incident Response:**
    Investigate cyber incidents, analyze digital evidence, and support response and recovery efforts.

## Cybersecurity Masters Curriculum

Master of Science in Cybersecurity Cyber Operations Specialization

### Featured Courses & Overview

- **Advanced Networking** — MSCS635
    The course will introduce students to various techniques, configuration, administration, and troubleshooting of network environment.
- **Cyber Forensics** — MSCS639
    Provides students with knowledge of advanced methodologies and techniques including proper methods for maintaining integrity of forensic evidence including chain of custody, imaging digital media, examination of forensic information using manual and automated methods, and analysis of the findings and reporting.

### Program Requirements

To receive the Master of Science in Cybersecurity, students must earn 36 semester credit hours. Required courses to be taken by everyone admitted to the program include eight core courses (24 credit hours). Core courses build upon the knowledge support courses or appropriate experience. The program requires a minimum of 4 semesters, which is equivalent to 15 months or 60 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:

#### Core Courses
24 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [MSCS501](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS501 "View MSCS501") | [Cybersecurity with AI Synopsis](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS501 "View MSCS501") | 3 |
| [MSCS521](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS521 "View MSCS521") | [Security Architecture and Design](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS521 "View MSCS521") | 3 |
| [MSCS525](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS525 "View MSCS525") | [AI-Augmented Cybersecurity with Python](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS525 "View MSCS525") | 3 |
| [MSCS615](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS615 "View MSCS615") | [Cloud Security](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS615 "View MSCS615") | 3 |
| [MSCS626](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS626 "View MSCS626") | [Network Security and Next-Gen Firewalls with AI](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS626 "View MSCS626") | 3 |
| [MSCS656](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS656 "View MSCS656") | [Wireless, Mobile, and IoT Security](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS656 "View MSCS656") | 3 |
| [MSCS675](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS675 "View MSCS675") | [AI/Machine Learning and Cybersecurity](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS675 "View MSCS675") | 3 |
| [MSCS695](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS695 "View MSCS695") | [AI Enhanced Cyber Defense Capstone](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS695 "View MSCS695") | 3 |

#### Cyber Operations Courses
12 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [MSCS633](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS633 "View MSCS633") | [Applied Cryptography and Data Protection with AI](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS633 "View MSCS633") | 3 |
| [MSCS635](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS635 "View MSCS635") | [Advanced Networking](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS635 "View MSCS635") | 3 |
| [MSCS637](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS637 "View MSCS637") | [Hardening Enterprise Security Architecture with AI](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS637 "View MSCS637") | 3 |
| [MSCS639](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS639 "View MSCS639") | [Cyber Forensics](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MSCS639 "View MSCS639") | 3 |

## Certifications

ECPI University understands the power of certifications in today's dynamic technology field, and we believe enhancing your marketability is crucial.

To support your journey, ECPI offers discounted vouchers that significantly reduce the cost of certification exams for Fiber Optics Installer (FOI), Fiber Optics Technician (FOT), A+ Certification, Network+ Certification, and Security+ Certification.

- **Microsoft**
- **CompTIA** — Security+
    The CompTIA Security+ cert validates essential skills in threat management, risk mitigation, and network security.
- **Cisco** — Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
    Builds foundational networking skills in connectivity, IP services, security, and automation for installing and managing small to medium networks.
- **EC-Council** — Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
    Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) certifies ethical hacking expertise in adversary tactics—reconnaissance, system hacking, social engineering, and cloud threats.
- **Oracle** — Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate (OCA: SQL)
    Validates foundational SQL knowledge, including database design, table management, and query optimization using Oracle Database tools.

## Accreditation

ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.

Full accreditation details: [ECPI University Accreditation](https://www.ecpi.edu/accreditation).