Cybersecurity

Students in the cybersecurity program can pursue one of two tracks. Explore your options below. 

• Digital Forensics and Security Management: Digital forensics and security management unite digital evidence investigation with the governance and leadership needed to manage enterprise risk. Students learn how to collect and analyze digital evidence, plan and implement cybersecurity programs, and align security operations with business objectives, regulations and incident response, building the capabilities to prevent, detect and decisively respond to threats across the organization.
• Secure Systems Design:  Secure systems design ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of modern digital environments. This track explores the foundations of cryptography, secure software engineering, and system architecture, highlighting how security principles shape resilient applications and enterprise‑scale infrastructures. Students gain insight into how cryptographic tools, secure programming practices and architectural safeguards work together to protect data and make sure the system meets the organization’s security requirements.

View curriculum and core courses for the cybersecurity program. 

Tuition is $850 per credit for all cybersecurity classes, regardless of where you live. Tuition rates for other courses, such as the prerequisite courses, may be different. Textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition. Students who take at least four credits each term may be eligible for financial assistance.

Admission to the Master of Science in Cybersecurity requires:

• Bachelor’s degree with, at minimum, a 3.0/4.0 undergraduate GPA from a regionally or nationally accredited university or college
• Prerequisite coursework in Introduction to Computer Science which must include programming content and prerequisite coursework in calculus or statistics
• Resume
• Up to 1,000 word statement of personal intent describing your decision to pursue the degree and what you believe you will bring to the cybersecurity field

Aptitude tests (GRE, GMAT, e.g.) are not required. If you do not currently meet admissions requirements, a campus adviser can discuss options for enrolling in the program. Request a consultation with an adviser by sending an email to learn@uwex.edu.

You may apply and begin the program with the start of any term. Complete a UW System application online, pay the processing fee and have official transcripts sent directly to UW-River Falls from the colleges and universities that you have previously attended. Application materials must be completed two weeks prior to the semester start to be considered for admission.