Mercy University Online Cybersecurity M.S.

Mercy University's online M.S. in Cybersecurity is for people with a technical background who want a graduate degree from a school that the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated as a Center of Academic Excellence. At $1,147 per credit and 30 credits, tuition comes to $34,410, which is higher than public options. The program also requires programming proficiency and a 3.0 GPA.

Mercy University is a private nonprofit university based in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Its Cybersecurity M.S. is offered fully online and requires 30 credits, which students typically finish in 1.5 to 2 years.

The university serves 8,991 students, and 56% of them study online. The program has a project requirement, a 3.0 GPA bar and a programming bar. It is designed for people who can already work comfortably in a computing environment.

Mercy also offers an online B.S. in Cybersecurity, which is a separate program at the undergraduate level.

The National Security Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation recruit directly from Mercy's programs, according to the school. The university also holds the designation of National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education from the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security.

You'd earn a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Mercy is designated by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, and the NSA and FBI recruit directly from its programs.

Federal data shows a university graduation rate of 46% and median earnings of $90,632 for graduates of this program group.

Where this degree can lead: Cybersecurity Degree Jobs.

Who It Fits

• You have a computing background and a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA in a related field.
• You already program in at least one language and want to move into security.
• You like the idea of a school the NSA and FBI recruit from directly.
• You come from outside computing and want to use the NYU Tandon Bridge Program to fill the gap.

Who Should Skip It

• You're looking for the lowest price. At $34,410 in tuition, this costs more than public online programs.
• You have never programmed. Applicants must demonstrate foundational knowledge in computer science, including proficiency in a programming language.
• You want a published list of courses before applying. The program page names a project and thesis course but few others.

The program page highlights its project work more than a course list. The Master's Project (IASP 600) is required. Students who complete it may get approval from the program head to write a Master's Thesis (IASP 601).

That makes the degree flexible for two kinds of people. If you're headed to a security job, the project can become a portfolio piece. If you might go on to doctoral study, the thesis route gives you a research document.

The NYU Tandon Bridge Program partnership helps students without a computing background prepare for graduate work.

Standout Features

• Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security
• NSA and FBI recruit directly from Mercy's programs
• Partnership with the NYU Tandon Bridge Program for students without a computing background

Graduate cybersecurity tuition is $1,147 per credit. Across 30 credits, that's $34,410. A registration fee of $465 per term applies to students taking 12 or more credits, and $233 per term for fewer.

If you earned a B.S. at Mercy, ask whether the 5-year dual degree path is still available to you.

30 credits at $1,147 a credit comes to $34,410 in tuition, before fees.

The program is offered fully online.

Because admission needs a resume, a personal statement and at least one letter of recommendation, expect a review that looks at your work history and your reasons for applying.

A short conversation with admissions before you apply can help you decide if the programming requirement fits your background. Students typically finish the 30 credits in 1.5 to 2 years, so ask an adviser to map out your course load term by term.

The full rubric is on the methodology page.

• Tuition of $34,410 is higher than many public online master's programs.
• Programming proficiency is required for admission.
• A 3.0 GPA in a related field is expected.
• Registration fees of $465 per term for full-time students add to the total.

• Which programming languages count toward the proficiency requirement?
• Do classes meet live, or can I work asynchronously?
• What does the Master's Project involve, and who supervises it?
• How does the NYU Tandon Bridge Program work for someone like me?
• Can employers recruit directly from the online cohort?
• Are there scholarships for online graduate students?

• Best Thesis Option Programs Rank 9 of 9, master's
• Best Online Programs in New York Rank 8 of 8, master's

• Cybersecurity

  B.S., Bachelor's

  Fully Online $990 per credit Score 30.6

• Southern Utah University

  Master of Science in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance

  Utah Score 41.0

• Marshall University

  Cybersecurity, MS

  West Virginia $534.75 per credit Score 39.9

• University of Wisconsin-Parkside

  Master of Science in Cybersecurity

  Wisconsin $850 per credit Score 42.0

• University of Advancing Technology

  Cyber Security (MS)

  Arizona Score 39.4