Master of Science in Cybersecurity

• Nationally Designated Cyber Program

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  St. Mary’s is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), a designation that sets us apart as a leader in cybersecurity training. Employers recognize that seal of approval, awarded by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a signal that you’re getting elite training that meets federal standards.

  

  

  

• Top 5 Program

  

  #5

  Best Master’s in Cybersecurity programs (Fortune 2025)

  Fortune ranked St. Mary’s #5 on its 2025 list of Best Master’s in Cybersecurity programs, recognition that places us among the nation’s most innovative schools.

• Small Classes

  

  11-to-1

  Student-to-faculty ratio

  With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 11, you will build strong relationships with professors who will serve as academic and professional mentors.

• Expert Faculty

  

  90%

  of faculty have a Ph.D. or equivalent

  St. Mary’s faculty are internationally recognized experts in their fields, boasting years of experience in academia and industry, including collaborations with nonprofit organizations in the community.

  They remain active researchers, consultants and advisors, ensuring that the material they teach is ahead of the curve.

Program of Study

This 33-credit-hour program covers vital topics such as network security, software security, digital forensics and cybercrime, and cybersecurity policy and law, while electives such as Cloud Computing Security, Wireless Security and Cybersecurity Risk Management allow you to focus your studies on topics that interest you most.

• Degree Plan

  Students in the master’s in Cybersecurity can choose between a thesis or project option.

  Master of Science in Cybersecurity

  Experiential Learning

  Cybersecurity M.S. students select from two tracks:

  A capstone project that culminates in a written report and oral presentation (3 credit hours)
  A thesis to be defended orally before a committee (6 credit hours)

  The thesis requires in-depth research and often addresses an existing problem; it can be included in a portfolio of work to showcase to prospective employers.

  You can gain even more real-world experience through an internship at a San Antonio-area tech company or other organization. You’ll put your skills to work identifying (and solving) challenges, gaining practical knowledge that will fuel your career.

• Cybersecurity Courses

  Highlighted courses include:

  Cloud Computing Security
  Cybersecurity Risk Management
  Cryptography
  Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime
  Network Security
  Software Security

• Graduate Certificate

  St. Mary’s also offers a 12-hour graduate certificate that can be used toward completion of a Master of Science in Cybersecurity.

  Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity

  Combined Degree Program

  Students can also pursue a 5-year Combined Degree program.

  Combined Bachelor’s (various majors) and Master of Science in Cybersecurity

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must:

Have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or a related discipline.
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for their bachelor’s degree.
Résumé/CV.
Submit a completed application, a written statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation and official college transcripts.

International graduate applicants must demonstrate proof of English proficiency with these minimum scores in one of the following:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based Test (iBT)®: 80
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0
Duolingo English Test: 115+

• Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact the Office of Graduate Admission at graduate@stmarytx.edu or 210-436-3126.

At St. Mary’s, you’ll get the hands-on experience of working on different operating systems, software packages and network types that employers want. As a result, you’ll find opportunities in the public and private sector, at large and small businesses, the U.S. government and military, contractors and research institutions.