Cybersecurity (M.A. & M.S.)

The M.A. and M.S. Cybersecurity programs are taught fully online.

FORTUNE named the master's programs in Cybersecurity at Roger Williams among the "Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Degrees in 2023."
See the Rankings

Roger Williams University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency, identifying the university as a leader in cybersecurity education.   

The NSA’s prestigious designation recognizes RWU’s commitment to excellence in cybersecurity and cyber defense and its ability to develop a pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. Roger Williams University has received the national academic certification for cybersecurity education through the academic year 2028. 
Read more about RWU's NSA Designation

M.A. in Cybersecurity

The 30-credit Master of Arts in Cybersecurity program is designed for students who wish to add the core concepts of cybersecurity to their portfolio of skills in a specific discipline or industry. As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, organizations will need skilled employees who understand the threats to business and infrastructure and can effectively create strategies to mitigate risks. Students in the program will understand the legal, managerial, and policy implications of cybersecurity work and conduct research prior to completing the program. Graduates will possess the adequate preparation to pursue N+ and S+ certifications and take the exam to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

M.S. in Cybersecurity

The M.S. Cybersecurity works to provide students with a thorough grounding in the technology and practice of cybersecurity. The program focuses on development of career professionals wishing to document their skillset, develop their skills in this arena, or improve on their security skill set related to technology. Ideal candidates have some technical background or are willing to pursue study prior to beginning the program to develop their technology background. The program is designed around industry certifications and standards and provides a diverse background leading to entry level careers (for those transitioning from other areas) and career advancement (for those with prior background in technology). The program is taught online using virtual environments to support simulation and analysis of operating systems. Theory and practice are both considered critical components of the program. Students shall complete a limited on site matriculation for a capstone project and a thesis demonstrating research capabilities.

The M.S. Cybersecurity program was created in partnership with industry professionals and is taught fully online using virtual environments to simulate the operating systems that you’ll monitor on the job.

Students should submit an application to the University which includes copies of transcripts (which include: clear indication of the receipt of an undergraduate degree; indication of completion of 2 computer programming courses and two networking courses within the last 10 years or a plan to complete these courses as a deficiency; and a copy of a local BCI (or equivalent document; BCI documents can normally be obtained from a local police agency or other State of Federal institution, assistance from RWU may be obtained for this portion of the application if necessary).

Master of Arts in Cybersecurity/ Juris Doctorate Dual Degree Program

Offered with the RWU School of Law.

View our latest virtual session about RWU Dual Degree programs.

Drawing on the strengths of the Roger Williams University School of Justice Studies and School of Law, RWU offers a concentrated joint degree program for students interested in cybersecurity. The dual degree program allows matriculated students to complete the Master of Arts in Cybersecurity (MACyber) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) in an accelerated period of study. The School of Justice Studies and the School of Law will each accept 12 transfer credits from the other, allowing students to save money and reduce the overall time needed to complete both degrees.

Students interested in completing the dual degree program must complete the following process to be considered for the M.A. Cybersecurity/J.D. dual degree program:

1. Apply to and be accepted to the J.D. program in the School of Law and adhere to the J.D. application instructions and requirements including application and testing deadlines.
2. After starting your studies in the J.D. program, complete the graduate application to be considered for the Cybersecurity program as a dual degree student. You should indicate the Cybersecurity/J.D. dual degree program as your intended program on the Graduate Application.
3. If you are accepted to the Cybersecurity program, you may begin your Cybersecurity coursework only after completing your first year of J.D. studies. If you begin Cybersecurity coursework prior to starting the J.D. program, you may not be eligible for the benefits of the shared coursework of the dual degree. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 401-254-6200 or gradadmit@rwu.edu with questions.

Graduate Cybersecurity Certificate

This certificate allows individuals the opportunity to explore cybersecurity without the technical requirement commitment.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university in order to be eligible for Graduate Certificate Admission.

Other admission requirements are:

1. Application Form
2. Official transcripts for all previous undergraduate and graduate work
3. Letter of Intent