Master of Science in Information Assurance with a major in Cybersecurity

Secure Information in a World Full of Digital Threats

Cybersecurity ensures comprehensive protection against all forms of digital threat. Cybersecurity professionals identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the organization's operation; then, they design and deploy effective security responses to each threat. Cybersecurity professionals also create and sustain the requisite organizational control and accountability architecture to ensure that cyber-technology assets remain secure and that information that is processed and transmitted will remain confidential, trustworthy and available.

University of Detroit Mercy is recognized by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense from 2004-present. The University has more than a decade of expertise behind each class that drives you as a professional to be the best in your field.

Learning Outcomes

A graduate with an M.S. in Information Assurance/Cybersecurity will have the ability to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts, technologies, and challenges of ensuring network security.
  2. Make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of information security governance and risk management to include best practices in disaster recovery planning and business continuity.
  4. Analyze and evaluate systems with respect to maintaining operations in the presence of risks and threats.
  5. Apply security principles and practices to the organizational environment, hardware, software, and human aspects of a system.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Cybersecurity is an exciting new profession; and qualified individuals with strong foundations in information assurance and cybersecurity are in high demand. It is estimated that the increase in jobs in this field will outpace supply well into the year 2023, according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is This the Right Degree for You?

University of Detroit Mercy's Master of Science in Information Assurance with a major in cybersecurity is applicable across a broad range of careers and interests. Below are some of the types of people who have taken this course and advanced their careers. If you have an interest in cybersecurity, please contact us to discuss how this degree may be right for you.

  • Bachelor's degree with an interest in employment in government or business security work
  • Management or technical position in cybersecurity with interest in developing their careers into more advanced managerial roles
  • Individuals who are currently employed in software or systems development with interest in transitioning to software assurance
  • Individuals who are currently employed in information systems or networking positions with interest in transitioning to enterprise network security
  • Individuals who are currently employed in compliance or physical security sectors with interest in transitioning to cybersecurity
  • Former military any MOS interested in transitioning to/entering field of cybersecurity
  • Law enforcement or first responder interested in transitioning to/entering field of cybersecurity
  • Individuals with a legal background who are interested in transitioning into specializations in cyber-law, or legal and regulatory compliance

Complete Your Degree in One Year Online

The University of Detroit Mercy Master of Science in Information Assurance with a major in cybersecurity consists of 30 credits and can be completed in one academic year. This program is currently only available online. Students who take their degree program online through our online campus realize a substantial savings in tuition.

What You Will Learn

University of Detroit Mercy's master's program in Information Assurance will provide you with comprehensive knowledge of the entire field of cybersecurity. This holistic understanding will allow you to developing total protection solutions that will mitigate cyber-risks to acceptable levels in government, business and industry. You will learn all of the basic cybersecurity principles, technologies and processes.

Specialty courses range from technical classes like ethical hacking, incident response and digital forensics to strategic and managerial knowledge in cybersecurity operations, software and system assurance, supply chain risk management, secure governance and controls and regulatory compliance.

These courses are taught by experts in the field. Daniel Shoemaker, Ph.D., is one of the primary instructors. He is also one of the authors of the National Software Assurance Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) for the Department of Homeland Security. Shoemaker has written and lectured on cybersecurity and information assurance topics throughout the eastern United States and Canada. He founded the International Cybersecurity Education Coalition (ICSEC), which is an NSA-sponsored consortium of higher education institutions located in Michigan and Ohio.

To learn more or request information, email: clae@udmercy.edu.

Daniel Shoemaker, Ph.D., is one of the primary instructors. He is also one of the authors of the National Software Assurance Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) for the Department of Homeland Security. Shoemaker has written and lectured on cybersecurity and information assurance topics throughout the eastern United States and Canada. He founded the International Cybersecurity Education Coalition (ICSEC), which is an NSA-sponsored consortium of higher education institutions located in Michigan and Ohio.

To learn more or request information, email: shoemadp@udmercy.edu.